Ellie Mae Herron was described as “vulnerable” and sleeping rough in Pearson Park
Ellie-Mae Herron, who died in December last year.(Image: Sophie Santos)
A young woman who tragically took her life in Hull was sleeping rough in Pearson Park which may have exposed her to abuse, the coroner who led the inquest into her death has said.
Ellie Mae Herron, 27, was described as “wonderful” and a “caring person” in a tribute by her sister Sophie. The mother-of-one was found unresponsive at 9pm on 8th December 2025 and taken to Hull Royal Infirmary.
Despite attempts to resuscitate her, she was sadly declared dead at 10.02pm. There were no suspicious circumstances or any third-party involvement surrounding her death.
Professor Paul Marks, Senior Coroner for Hull and East Yorkshire, has now published a Prevention Of Future Deaths report, in which he said crime in the Avenues park may have exposed to Ellie to serious harm prior to her death.
Prof Marks wrote: “Ellie Mae Herron had a significant history of mental health issues both in adolescence and adult life and was dependent on alcohol which she habitually abused. She developed alcohol related chronic pancreatitis.
“Her lifestyle was extremely chaotic and although she had her own premises to live in and the offer of a room at her mother’s house, she chose to live in a tent in Pearson Park.
“She was vulnerable and probably the subject of mental, physical and sexual abuse from associates who live rough and used Pearson Park for drinking alcohol and taking drugs.”
The coroner added: “Pearson Park is frequented by individuals who sell and abuse drugs, drink alcohol and in addition, many individuals sleep rough in the park. It is well known that criminal activities of various sorts occurs in this park, and vulnerable individuals are at high risk as a consequence.”
Prof Marks said he believed The Chief Constable of Humberside Police has the power to take action to prevent future deaths, “possibly by reviewing the policing and police presence in this area”. The force has until 19th June 2026 to respond to the coroner’s report.
A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: “We are in the process of preparing a response for the Coroner in respect to the concerns raised.”
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.