Arabic version: تحقيق يكشف التأثير المؤلم لوفاة تامي شيبلي

A coronial inquest into the death of Aboriginal woman Tammy Shipley has resumed, highlighting the profound grief experienced by her daughters following the loss of their “loving, caring and beautiful” mother. According to ABC News, Ms. Shipley died in a New South Wales prison cell on December 20, 2022, after consuming excessive amounts of water, a complication of her schizoaffective disorder known as primary polydipsia.

The inquest, which began in September 2024 but was paused for over a year, resumed on Monday. During the proceedings, her daughters expressed their ongoing sorrow, with one stating that losing their mother felt like losing their best friend. They shared poignant memories of how Tammy’s love shaped their lives, describing her as a source of comfort and safety.

Tammy Shipley, 47, died alone in her cell at Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre after drinking up to 20 liters of water in a single day. An autopsy revealed that she died from hyponatraemia, a condition caused by low sodium levels in the blood due to excessive water intake. Her family hopes that the findings from the inquest will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The inquest also examined the circumstances leading to her death, including a review of police interactions and mental health history that were not adequately considered during her court appearances. Counsel assisting the coroner noted that Ms. Shipley had a history of mental health issues, yet her condition was not referenced in court documents.

As the inquest continues, experts are discussing potential recommendations to improve mental health support and prevent future deaths in custody. The hearing is set to conclude on Thursday, with various stakeholders including legal services and police participating in discussions aimed at enhancing community mental health resources.