The story of 23-year-old Kiena Dawes is one of heartbreak, systemic failures, and the devastating effects of an abusive relationship.
Kiena, a talented hairdresser from Fleetwood, Lancashire, left behind a chilling suicide note in which she wrote, “I was murdered,” placing the blame squarely on her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Wellings.
Her tragic death on a railway track became a powerful reminder of the horrors of domestic abuse and the consequences of institutional inaction.
A Relationship Marked by Violence and Control
For two years, Kiena endured a relationship fraught with violence and emotional torment.
Wellings, 30, subjected her to relentless physical and psychological abuse, exploiting her vulnerabilities, including her diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.
His actions ranged from accusing her of infidelity to heinous threats, such as promising to disfigure her with acid or harm her child.
On one occasion, he reportedly held her head underwater, cruelly telling her to “say goodbye” to her baby.
The Day Everything Changed
On July 11, 2022, a brutal attack left Kiena bleeding from her head, with blood splattered across her home.
A desperate 999 call captured her fear as she pleaded for help, her voice trembling as she described her injuries.
Despite her cries for assistance, Kiena felt abandoned by those she had turned to for protection.
Lancashire Police later released images of her injuries, highlighting the severity of the abuse she endured.
A Harrowing Farewell
Eleven days after the attack, Kiena made the heartbreaking decision to end her life.
Leaving her nine-month-old daughter with a friend, she penned a suicide note expressing the pain and betrayal she felt.
“I fought hard, I fought long,” she wrote.
“I went through pain no one could imagine.”
Her final plea called for action to prevent similar tragedies, urging authorities not to “let bullies live free.”
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Ryan Wellings was charged with manslaughter but was ultimately cleared of that charge.
However, he was convicted of assault and coercive behavior, crimes that painted a clear picture of the torment he inflicted on Kiena.
In a disturbing video shared on social media shortly after being charged, Wellings mocked the severity of the situation, sipping Prosecco and dismissing the accusations against him.
Accountability for Systemic Failures
The tragedy of Kiena’s death raised serious questions about police response to domestic violence.
Lancashire Police referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation.
The inquiry revealed failures in responding to Kiena’s repeated pleas for help, leading to gross misconduct proceedings for one officer and misconduct accusations against two others.
Moving Forward: Seeking Justice and Change
Wellings remains in custody, awaiting sentencing for his crimes.
Meanwhile, Kiena’s story continues to serve as a call to action for authorities and communities alike.
Her death underscores the urgent need for improved support systems for abuse survivors and stricter accountability for perpetrators of domestic violence.
As the world reflects on Kiena’s life and tragic end, her message remains clear: no one should endure what she did, and those in positions of power must act swiftly to protect the vulnerable.
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