Tragic way family found mum dead at home after noticing something unusual with her Facebook

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing

The family of a mum-of-one tragically broke into her home to find her dead after noticing a small detail on her Facebook page.

Katy Gough, 32 from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was a fan of raves, festivals and dancing, and was nicknamed the ‘Green Diva’ since she wore the colour every day.

Just before Christmas 2022, her family started to worry when she didn’t like or comment on a Facebook picture of her daughter Lola, who was two at the time, meeting Santa.

Their fears grew as they struggled to get hold of Katy via calls or texts.

Katy Gough tragically died by suicide. (MEN Media)

They eventually forced their way into their house on 16 December and found her unresponsive, confirming their devastating suspicions.

She had died by suicide and was buried in a special green coffin.

"She would have been happy with that," her mum Elaine Beech told the Manchester Evening News.

Elaine has now spoken out about the tragic day and the ‘wake of devastation’ following her daughter's death.

Elaine said: “We went round and broke in and found her. She had the best life. For her to do what she did, she must have been so depressed.

“She had split up from her partner, but apart from that, to me she was just normal Katy. Even her sister, Ashleigh, didn’t know and they were so close. It just came as a complete shock. She kept it all to herself.”

Elaine added that Lola is now starting to ask questions about how her mum died.

She said: “Last week she wanted to know how her mummy died. She said: ‘Grandma, how did my mummy die?’ She says she wants her mummy whenever she sees pictures of Katy.

Her family became concerned when she didn't respond to a picture of her daughter on Facebook. (MEN Media)

"We have photos all around the house. It was a devastating shock to her.”

On August 10, Katy’s friends decided to walk Scafell Pike to raise funds for Child Bereavement UK, a charity which is currently supporting Lola, now aged four.

Among those who took part were pals Abby Morris, Lauren Lawton, Sadie Stevenson, Jannine Marsden, Emma Rowland, Michelle Bromley, Lisa Priest, Carrie McCabe, Vicky Barker, and Cara Oldham. Initially hoping to raise £1,000, the group ended up donating £3,150.

Elaine said: “They did a fantastic walk up Scafell Pike in Katy’s memory. She didn’t realise how loved she was. They will never forget Katy – she was a diamond. She had all her life to live, and in one split moment, she did the wrong thing.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.