Cause of Houghton river death is still unknown

THE cause of death of a young woman whose body was found in a stream at Houghton is still unknown. Twenty-nine-year-old Donna Jarrett, of Wessell, Houghton was found dead just yards from her home at about noon on Sunday, January 31. A member of the publ

THE cause of death of a young woman whose body was found in a stream at Houghton is still unknown.

Twenty-nine-year-old Donna Jarrett, of Wessell, Houghton was found dead just yards from her home at about noon on Sunday, January 31.

A member of the public spotted her body at the bottom of a steep bank in a section of water that runs between the A1123 and Home Farm Road.

The route, known as Meadow Lane, is a popular "village walkway" used by dog walkers.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious but the cause has not yet been revealed.

An inquest was opened and adjourned last Wednesday, February 3 in Huntingdon by coroner for South and West Cambridgeshire, David Morris. The hearing was adjourned to allow further tests to take place.

Yesterday (Tuesday) a spokesman for the coroner's office said they were awaiting the results of toxicology tests, which could take up to six weeks.

Villagers have spoken of their shock and sadness at what they believe had been a tragic accident.

One resident who lives in Home Farm Road, which backs onto the stream, said: "It is a really sad and unfortunate state of affairs and a total waste of a young life."

Paying tribute to Ms Jarrett, Cllr Alan Williams, chairman of Houghton and Wyton Parish Council said: "The whole village is very shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of this young lady.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time. They have the condolences of us all."

The death is the second tragedy in that stretch of water. About 10 years ago a man called David Edwards fell in the water and died. A bench in his memory was placed at Houghton Mill.