In a deeply unsettling incident that has left the community in shock, 77-year-old Joan Kathleen Turnell was found pushing her deceased daughter, Tracey Turnell, through the 17 & Central shopping centre in Walthamstow, England.

The discovery, made on November 7, 2023, revealed that Tracey’s body had been kept in their shared Leyton flat for over a year before this tragic revelation, the Daily Mail reports.

Neighbors had long complained about “horrendous smells” and a persistent fly infestation emanating from the Turnell residence. Housing association staff, responding to these concerns, attempted to inspect the property but were denied entry by Joan.

Staff noticed a “vile smell” as she passed and promptly alerted the police. Credit: georgeclerk / Getty

Determined to assess the situation, they decided to follow her to the High Street. In an attempt to convince them that her daughter was still alive, Joan wrapped Tracey’s remains in a red coat and wheeled her out in a wheelchair.

However, staff noticed a “vile smell” as she passed and promptly alerted the police.

Upon interception outside the shopping centre, authorities discovered Tracey’s “heavily decomposed body.”

An inquest at East London Coroner’s Court revealed that Joan suffered from severe mental health issues, including prolonged grief disorder, and had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

She was also diagnosed with a brain tumor. In a statement to the coroner, Joan expressed her profound attachment to her daughter, stating, “I kept Tracey with me because I couldn’t bear to part with her. I loved her too much.”

Tracey Turnell, born in October 1971, faced numerous health challenges throughout her life, including a curved spine, a damaged knee, and deformed arms.

She led a reclusive life, having no friends or romantic partners, and did not own a phone. Authorities were unable to find a photograph of her, and she had to be identified through DNA analysis.

Joan recounted that on the day of Tracey’s death, they had been watching a film together. When it ended, she attempted to speak to her daughter but received no response.

Joan could not recall the exact date of Tracey’s passing but believed it occurred around September 2022.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, a pathologist was unable to determine the exact cause of Tracey’s death. Joan was not prosecuted for preventing the lawful burial of her daughter’s body.

Senior coroner Graeme Irvine acknowledged Joan’s severe mental health conditions and found it inhumane to summon her for live evidence, stating, “I don’t think the nature and quality of her evidence would have assisted me.”

This tragic case underscores the profound impact of mental health issues and the depths of a mother’s grief. It also highlights the importance of community awareness and intervention in preventing such heartbreaking outcomes.

As the community grapples with the emotional aftermath, support services have been made available for those affected. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward.