Brighton family searching for answers over woman's death

Sarah Barrett was found unresponsive at her home in William Collier House in Brighton, run by Brighton YMCA, on May 1.

The 41-year-old was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital and died the next day.

A police investigation into her death has now been launched and a 46-year-old man was arrested on May 1 on suspicion of possession of heroin and crack cocaine.

Ms Barrett’s family is now searching for answers as to how she could have suffered an “overdose” in supported housing.

Stepbrother Ollie Collier said Ms Barrett had not been living long in the block when she died.

“She was living in Eastbourne and was really happy there,” he said.

“She suffered quite badly with mental health, it came in stages.

“She didn’t want to go back to Brighton. I don’t know why she was moved there.”

Ms Barrett was found unresponsive in William Collier House, Brighton

Mr Collier paid tribute to his step-sister, saying she was a kind person with an infectious laugh.

“She didn’t have a lot, she didn’t have much, but she was always happy to help out,” he said.

“She’s had quite a hard life since she was young.

“We both lost our mum 15 years ago so we were very close.

“She just wanted to talk to everyone, she loved being around people.

“She’s that sort of person.

“She loved her music and she loved her dancing.

“She had the most infectious laugh.

“It’s just a shame what’s happened to her.”

Friend Jacqui Madders said Ms Barrett had “great soul”.

“She was an independent person but you could have a great conversation with her,” she said.

“She wanted to help people. She had a great sense of justice.

“She had a great soul and she was loved.”

An inquest into Ms Barrett’s death was formally opened at Brighton Coroner’s Court on May 11 and has been adjourned until October 6.

A full inquest into Ms Barrett's death will held in October at Brighton Coroner's Court

A police investigation is also being carried out.

“On May 1, police were called to William Collier House, North Road, Brighton, after Sarah Barrett, 41, who was living there, had been found unwell,” a Sussex Police spokesman said.

“She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where she sadly died on the following day.

“An inquest was formally opened on May 11 and was adjourned to October 6.

“A police investigation is being carried out and a 46-year-old man, arrested on May 1 on suspicion of possession of heroin and crack cocaine, was released on police bail until May 29 while enquiries continue.”

A Brighton YMCA spokesman said: “Sarah suffered a suspected overdose.

“Staff attended and an ambulance was called immediately, but she sadly passed away at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

“Sarah was well known to staff as this was her second stay with us.

“She had only been back with us since late March, but was well-liked among the team.”