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Sunday 22/02/2026

Salford Mother and Daughter's Tragic Deaths Highlight Struggles with Loneliness and Isolation

A sorrowful mother with her disabled daughter in a dimly lit room
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Martina Karos and her daughter Eleni Edwards were found dead in their Salford home in September 2024, with a coroner ruling it a murder-suicide.
  • Karos, a single mother and translator, struggled with mental health issues and social isolation despite receiving extensive support services.
  • Eleni, who was severely disabled, was under a Child Protection Plan, and both received daily visits from carers and social workers.
  • The coroner concluded that Karos had deliberately used carbon monoxide to end both their lives, a tragedy deemed unforeseeable by authorities.
  • Friends described Karos as a devoted mother who was overwhelmed by loneliness and the challenges of caring for her non-verbal daughter.

In a heart-wrenching case that has sent shockwaves through the Salford community, a coroner has concluded that Martina Karos, a 40-year-old single mother, took her own life and that of her severely disabled daughter, Eleni Edwards, due to overwhelming loneliness and isolation. The bodies of Karos and her eight-year-old daughter were discovered in their home on South Radford Street on September 23, 2024, after Eleni failed to attend school.

Struggles with Mental Health and Isolation

Originally from Poland, Karos had moved to England in 2003 and worked as a translator. Despite her professional success, she faced significant personal challenges, particularly after the breakup of a relationship. Friends and family noted that Karos was a devoted mother, but the demands of caring for Eleni, who was blind and had limited mobility, left her feeling isolated. A close friend revealed that Karos often felt life was not worth living and struggled with the loneliness of caring for a non-verbal child.

Support Services and Social Challenges

Despite being under a Child Protection Plan since January 2024, and receiving a range of support services including daily visits from carers and social workers, Karos's feelings of isolation persisted. Social workers had attempted to integrate her into social activities to build new friendships, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful. The coroner, Peter Sigee, noted that despite the high level of support, Karos's mental health issues were overwhelming.

Coroner's Findings

The inquest, held at Bolton Coroner's Court, concluded that Karos had deliberately created an environment filled with carbon monoxide to end both her life and Eleni's. Coroner Sigee stated that there was no objective basis to suspect such an outcome, describing the incident as unforeseeable. He emphasized that Karos had denied any intentions of self-harm or harm to her daughter.

Community Impact

The tragic deaths have highlighted the severe impact of social isolation and mental health struggles, particularly for caregivers of disabled children. Friends and family remember Karos as a bright and caring individual who was caught in a difficult situation. The case underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing comprehensive support to those in similar circumstances.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The tragic case of Martina Karos and her daughter Eleni Edwards raises critical questions about the adequacy of mental health and social support systems for caregivers of disabled children. While the support provided was extensive, the failure to alleviate Karos's isolation suggests a need for more personalized and effective interventions. Moving forward, social services may need to reassess their strategies to better address the emotional and social needs of caregivers. Additionally, this case could prompt a broader discussion on the societal responsibilities towards individuals facing similar challenges, potentially influencing future policy changes in mental health and social care services.

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