GRIEFSTRICKEN Joanne Coombs committed suicide while living a life of “hell” after her daughter Natasha was killed by a train, a jury heard today.The pair were killed by trains at the same spot on the rail line near Manningtree within two months of each other.

GRIEFSTRICKEN Joanne Coombs committed suicide while living a life of “hell” after her daughter Natasha was killed by a train, a jury heard today.

The pair were killed by trains at the same spot on the rail line near Manningtree within two months of each other.

Natasha Coombs, 17, a former East Bergholt High School pupil disappeared on July 28. Her body was found two weeks later, an inquest at Shire Hall, Chelmsford, heard.

Joanne Coombs, 41, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, died near the same spot on September 18, close to a shrine set up for her daughter which she visited just before her death.

Natasha had a history of depression. She also had difficulties with her on/off relationship with boyfriend Josh Brennan.

The inquest heard Natasha threatened to throw herself in front of a train on the night she disappeared after learning Mr Brennan, 18, was at a cinema with a female co-worker.

Gary Coombs, 48, an insurance company manager, said his wife wanted to be with their daughter.

He wept as he described the days after Natasha went missing.

"It was hell. It was hell,' said Mr Coombs.

"Joanne wanted to be with Natasha. She firmly believed she would be together with her.'

The court heard that Mrs Coombs left two notes and her husband was sure that she had committed suicide.

Jurors found Natasha died as a result of an accident and her mother's death was suicide.

After the hearing Mr Coombs said: "There aren't any words that can be said to bring my lovely girls, Joanne and Natasha, back and I simply cannot put into words how much I miss the two of them and the happy and perfect life we had together.'

"I will always love Natasha and treasure the memories we have shared. I hope and pray that Natasha and Joanne have found happiness together.