Lack of signer halts deaf influencer's inquest

An inquest into a deaf TikTok star's death has been adjourned because there were no sign language interpreters for deaf witnesses.

Imogen Nunn died in Brighton on New Year's Day 2023 after taking a poisonous substance she ordered online.

The 25-year-old, who was born deaf, raised awareness of hearing and mental health issues on social media, attracting more than 780,000 followers.

West Sussex County Council said a sign language translator was booked, but they were unable to attend "due to circumstances beyond our control".

Coroner Penelope Schofield wrote in the prevention of future deaths report she had heard evidence there was a lack of sign language interpreters to support deaf patients being treated for mental health difficulties.

"This was particularly apparent when mental health staff were seeking an interpreter at short notice for a patient who was in crisis," they said.

Imogen's mother Louise Nunn called what happened "hugely upsetting and disappointing" in a statement released afterwards.

"Sadly this is an issue she [Imogen] faced on countless occasions, including when trying to engage with the services meant to support her," she said, adding that Imogen's first language was British Sign Language.

Ms Nunn welcomed the coroner's decision as the lack of interpreters would have prevented the deaf witnesses from giving evidence.

She called for urgent action in response to the coroner's concerns, "so that no other family has to have their loved one's inquest disrupted in this way in future".

The Horsham inquest has been adjourned until 20 May.

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