FREEZING waters killed a pensioner found in a canal near her home, an inquest was told.
A man out with his dog saw the body of Ann Reynolds, 62, of Lees Hall Road, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury on January 21, the Huddersfield hearing was told.
Mrs Reynolds had taken an overdose of drugs and alcohol before ending up in the Calder and Hebble Navigation, near Forge Lane.
She had made previous attempts to take her own life. In June, 2002, she took an overdose of anti- depressants.
On the day she died, she had drunk enough alcohol to put her three times over the legal limit for driving, as well as taking a large dose of prescribed drugs.
The inquest heard how Mrs Reynolds's husband, Stanley, left for work as usual that day. He always took his wife's medication with him.
He returned at 5pm, to find his tea ready and cooked.
When his wife did not return by 7pm he called the police.
Mrs Reynolds's sister had had similar mental health problems and killed herself some years ago.
Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded an open verdict. He said there was no evidence as to whether Mrs Reynolds fell in the canal or jumped in.
