A devoted mum took her own life after fearing she would lose her children following the breakdown of her marriage.

Kelly Higgins died at her home in Bridlington in December 29 last year, aged just 31.

The mum-of-four had dedicated much of her life to caring for adults with learning disabilities before starting a family with her then boyfriend William Higgins, an inquest in Hull heard.

The couple met when they were still teenagers and later married.

But they suffered a devastating blow when their first child died prematurely, Hull Live reports.

This led to Kelly suffering from depression and anxiety which stayed with her for the rest of her life.

Towards the end of last year, Kelly grew concerned about her children being taken away from her after the acrimonious split from her husband which led to further issues with her mental health.

An inquest was held on Thursday into her death and afterwards family paid tribute to her.

Kelly Higgins was just 31
Kelly Higgins was just 31 
Image: 
Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

A family member said: “Kelly was a brilliant person and she was all about her kids. We just miss everything about her.

“She was caring and would care for everybody. She is a huge loss to everyone who knew her.”

The inquest heard how no one had heard from Kelly on December 29 last year and concerns grew for her welfare.

Eventually, her partner and family members broke into her home where they found her.

In a statement, Kelly’s stepdad said she left school at 16 and ended up caring for adults with learning disabilities.

She met William when they were 18 and had their first child in 2010, who sadly died after being born prematurely. But they went on to have two more children before getting married in 2017. They then had two more children.

He said: “Kelly was a happy-go-lucky person but she and William were heavy drinkers which contributed to the breakdown of the marriage.”

The couple broke up just weeks before she died after she struck up a relationship with a woman from work.

Her stepdad said he and Kelly’s mum went round in Christmas Day last year to give the children presents. He said she was in “good spirits” but was concerned about her children being taken away.

She was a devoted mum
She was a devoted mum 
Image: 
Hull Daily Mail / MEN Media)

He said: “She told me if she could not have the kids her life would not be worth living.”

He then explained how he went round to Kelly’s home on the evening of December 29 after concerns no one had heard from her and smashed a window to gain entry where she was found dead.

Mr Higgins also gave a statement to the inquest.

He said he and Kelly had been in a relationship for 13 years and they had five children together.

He said Kelly had never been formally diagnosed with depression but he had urged her to get a diagnosis but she’d refused.

He said the marriage deteriorated which came to a head in 2021 when Kelly began an affair with a woman from work.

He moved out to live with his mum and the inquest heard how he was seeking custody of their children.

Kelly's new partner also provided a statement at the inquest