Gaia Pope: Video tribute to teen played to inquest jury

A teenager who was found dead after a major coastal search has been described as a "force of nature" in a tribute video played to an inquest jury.

The body of 19-year-old Gaia Pope was discovered 11 days after she went missing in Swanage, Dorset, in 2017.

She had died of hypothermia.

In a pen portrait video played to Dorset Coroner's Court, Miss Pope's family said her mental health had been deteriorating after telling them she had been raped when she was 16.

The video showed Miss Pope singing, spending time with loved ones and included voiceovers from her relatives describing her future plans to have a big family and work in health and social care.

Kim Pope, her mother, said: "With Gaia around, there was never a dull moment - or a quiet one.

"She had a joyful nature, a ready and radiant smile and filled our lives with song and laughter."

Her aunt, Talia Pope, added: "After she shared that she had been raped, Gaia's deteriorating physical and mental health changed her life.

"At times our girl would seem to disappear, lost in fear and self-doubt.

"But she fought bravely to return to us and her inner light always shone through the clouds."

Consultant forensic toxicologist Sarah Tarrant-Wooding told the inquest Miss Pope, who suffered with epilepsy, had traces of cannabis in her system when she died.

She said taking the drug was "quite widespread" among epileptic patients to reduce seizures, but that mixing it with anti-epileptic medication could result in "dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or difficulty concentrating".

The inquest in Bournemouth has previously been told that Miss Pope had been "anxious" before she went missing on 7 November due to the imminent release from prison of the man she alleged had raped her.

Her body was found in undergrowth near a clifftop path, between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point, 11 days later.

Coroner Rachael Griffin said the 11-week inquest would examine the medical care provided to Miss Pope prior to her disappearance, the actions of Dorset Police following concerns for her welfare and the subsequent search and rescue operation.

The inquest continues.

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