Woman, 23, ‘took own life on Greek holiday with boyfriend' just days after sharing photos from ‘stunning' trip
A WOMAN took her own life on a Greek holiday with her boyfriend, an inquest heard just days after sharing photos from the "stunning" trip.
Melissa Cross, 23, was staying at the four-star Golden Sun hotel in the resort of Kalamaki on the island of Zakynthos.
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An inquest heard she sent her family a goodbye message before she was found dead on September 25, 2023.
It came just days after Melissa, from Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, had shared a string of holiday photos on her social media.
She could be seen visiting various beaches and riding quad bikes with boyfriend.
In one string of pictures, Melissa wrote: "Most beautiful morning seeing the turtles and visiting the blue caves, absolutely obsessed with how clear the water is out here."
She also posted various clips from across the island, saying: "Seen the most stunning views today and visited 5 different beaches."
Coroner Kerrie Burge recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest in Pontypridd, South Wales.
She said: "There had been no previous indications that Melissa would harm herself but Melissa had sent a goodbye message to her family explaining her thoughts and intentions.
"On the balance of probabilities it is more likely than not that Melissa intended to take her own life by her actions."
Tributes flooded in for care worker Melissa following the tragedy.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Her sister said: "Melissa, my kind caring and amazing baby sister. I miss you every second of every day. My world will never be the same again.
"I've loved you all of your life, and I will love and miss you for the rest of mine."
Another family member said: "Melissa, my beautiful gorgeous Auntie Mel. I love and miss you so much more than anything.
"We've made so many amazing memories together over the years. We were so close with each other. Rest in pure paradise Melissa."
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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