What started as a simple evening stroll with her daughter and their dog turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for 32-year-old Saffron Cole-Nottage.
The mother-of-three lost her life after slipping on a dangerously slick coastal path in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Despite desperate attempts from her daughter and bystanders, she became trapped between massive sea defense boulders and submerged in the rising tide.
A Slippery and Hazardous Path
Eyewitnesses described the path as being as slick as an ice rink, coated in algae that made it treacherous to walk on.
Saffron initially slipped but managed to get up—only to lose her footing again and fall between the giant rocks.
As the water level rose, she found herself trapped and unable to escape.
Her daughter and several members of the public tried in vain to free her before emergency services arrived.
The Desperate Rescue Effort
Police, fire crews, coastguard teams, and paramedics rushed to the scene.
Specialist rescue teams worked to extract her from the rocks, but by the time they succeeded, it was too late.
She was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to revive her.
An Inquest Into Her Death
A coroner’s inquest was opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding her tragic accident.
During the hearing, it was confirmed that Saffron was identified by a senior mortuary assistant and a post-mortem examination was conducted, though results were not disclosed.
The inquest was adjourned pending further investigation, with a review scheduled for June 6.
Warnings Ignored: A Dangerous Pathway
The area where Saffron fell was marked with warning signs advising the public to stay away.
Barriers were in place, but some sections were easy to bypass, making it possible for people to access the hazardous walkway.
Residents reported that the path’s slippery surface posed a significant danger, especially at night or during high tide.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
Following her tragic death, an outpouring of grief flooded social media.
Friends, family, and community members left floral tributes and messages along the Esplanade.
Her partner, Michael Wheeler, penned an emotional message expressing his sorrow, calling her passing a “freak horrific” event that he would never come to terms with.
Saffron, originally from Gillingham, Kent, was described as a loving mother and a bright, lively personality who brought joy to those around her.
Messages from loved ones reflected their deep pain and admiration for her, including one from her daughter that read, “My beautiful mummy, I love you the world.”
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has shaken the town of Lowestoft, with many calling for stronger safety measures to prevent future accidents.
Local authorities are expected to review the accessibility of the dangerous path and whether further actions are needed to keep people away from the hazardous area.
As investigations continue, the heartbreaking loss of Saffron Cole-Nottage serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers of the coastline.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.