Woman, 24, ‘found dead on coastal path’ after chilling CCTV sparked huge 12-day hunt’
A WOMAN was found dead on a coastal path with a mystery powder in her bag after chilling CCTV sparked a huge hunt, an inquest heard.
Leah Daley, 24, told friends she was going for a walk to “clear her head” on May 5 then vanished into thin air.
Her disappearance in Folkestone, Kent, sparked a massive search and social media appeal.
The waitress’ desperate family also joined the hunt with an emotional people, saying: “people do not just vanish”.
Tragically, Leah was discovered dead 12 days later on May 17 by two dog walkers in an area of coastline known as The Warren.
An inquest into her death today heard how Leah died of cocaine intoxication.
Police also discovered a mystery substance in her bag which has not yet been tested, the court was told.
Assistant Coroner Katrina Hepburn said: “I’m further satisfied that there is a reasonable cause to suspect that she has died in circumstances where an inquest is necessary.”
The coroner warned a full inquest may be delayed while testing is carried out on the powder found in her backpack.
She said: “If this powder is being analysed by the police, it is likely to take several weeks.
“So if we’re hoping to get an answer before the inquest the date may have to be moved.”
Ms Hepburn set a provisional date of November 1 for the full inquest.
Leah was last seen walking along the Kent coastline near Folkestone, Kent, on the evening of May 5.
CCTV revealed some of her final moments as she made her way along a path carrying the Adidas backpack.
Police confirmed Leah was last seen at around 7pm at The Warren at the bottom of a concrete path leading down to the beach.
Her distraught family said at the time: “Our youngest Leah went missing nine days ago on Sunday May 5 and has not been found.
“For Leah not to have returned home without notifying the family, or any of her friends, is totally out of character.
“A lover and frequent walker of The Warren since childhood, Leah is familiar with the routes and surrounding areas.”
Despite a huge search involving emergency crews and volunteers, it took 12 days to find Leah’s body in undergrowth by a footpath.
Her mum Hannah later told how the family would “never get over” the delay.