Supermarket worker killed herself over guilt of car crash which killed her girlfriend and half brother
A HEARTBROKEN girlfriend killed herself seven years after causing the death of her partner and half brother when she fell asleep at the wheel.
Guilt-stricken Joanne Taylor dozed off and smashed into a tractor while her girlfriend Melissa Barnham and half brother Daniel Lang were in the car.
Ms Taylor, 32, had driven 555 miles and had "little or no sleep in 22 hours" in a round trip to Liverpool before the horror smash on the A38 in Devon.
The driver, then 26, had driven to Liverpool to respond to an emergency call from her father.
She was given a nine month suspended jail term after she admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Exeter Crown Court in June 2010.
Ms Taylor had "unresolved bereavement issues" after the deaths of Ms Barnham, 23, and Daniel, 14, an inquest heard.
She was found dead at her Plymouth flat after taking her own life, but the manner of her suicide cannot be reported.
Police said she was very organised and "knew what she wanted to do" in her suicide bid.
Before he death a 15 month relationship she had with a new girlfriend ended when the other woman had an affair.
Ms Taylor then talked to a nurse about and spoke about the death of her brother in 2009.
Her mum Carol Lang said of the crash:"This affected her greatly."
Coroner Philp Spinney said Joanne left a hand written note which referred to a voice message.
He said:"I have read a transcript of that message and it is plain to me that the contents are indicative of the deceased being in a frame of mind to take her own life."
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts contact Samaritans on any phone by dialling 116 123,