Devoted mum, 32, left heartbreaking notes to her children before being killed in UK beach tragedy

In a harrowing incident described as a 'freak' tragedy, Saffron Cole-Nottage tragically lost her life after slipping on an icy coastal path in Lowestoft, Suffolk, on Sunday night. The mum-of-three met her untimely demise when she fell on a slippery concrete section at the foot of the sea wall, known to locals as an 'ice rink'. It is believed that she was caught between massive boulders, making it impossible for the coastguard, police, and air ambulance teams to rescue her swiftly.

Heart-wrenching tributes have since emerged at the site of the misfortune, including those from her partner Mike Wheeler and her young children. Saffron, a devoted mother, had recently settled in Lowestoft with her partner Michael and their three kids, having relocated from Gillingham in Kent where she was employed at the Canterbury Tales pub. She leaves behind daughters Jessica, 11, Jasmine, 7, and a baby boy who was born just months ago.

Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, died in front of rescuers on Sunday night after tripping over and falling onto rocks on the beach at Lowestoft, Suffolk. (Image: Facebook)

In poignant testimony to how deeply cherished Saffron was, her children left a sorrowful farewell note to their 'mummy' at the place where she died, reports the Mirror[3]. Among the written tributes was one that stated: "My beautiful mummy, I love you the world", another reading "Mummy, love you", and a third stating "Dear mum, thank you for all that you have done for me. Love you lots, we will all miss you loads."

Saffron's partner Michael, 42, also paid a heartfelt tribute. "My darling Saff. What can I really say, there are no words to express how much we will miss you," he penned. "The world is so cruel and to take you in this freak horrific way will not sit well with me for the rest of my life.

You will be forever missed by so many and I'm really not sure I'll ever be the same without you. Me and the kids will love you and never forget you, until we meet again."

Tributes from more relatives and friends of the 32 year old were carefully placed where they lost her, describing Saffron as ''beautiful", "amazing" and "forever 32". One read: "U really are my best auntie" and another called Saffron "my beautiful daughter-in-law", saying: "Your light shined bright down here and you'll shine bright up there".A friend told the Daily Mail of the tragic accident: "I believe she was out with her dog and was walking on the path when she slipped and got trapped.

I think she had one daughter with her. "It must have been horrific." The area Saffron was walking on is thought to have been off-limits to pedestrians because of the dangers it poses - the huge boulders made of slippery granite and the concrete surface of the path covered with moss and, at times, icy.

Signs and a barrier are said to be in place warning people not to attempt to walk there. Emergency services were called after Saffron fell into the sea at 8pm on Sunday, amidst sub-zero temperatures. Suffolk Police joined forces with HM Coastguard rescue teams from Lowestoft, East of England Ambulance Service, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance in a significant rescue effort.

A Suffolk Police spokesperson confirmed: "Police and other emergency services were in attendance in Lowestoft on Sunday at an incident in which a woman died after a fall," also stating that the death is presently being treated as unexplained, with no suspicious circumstances believed to be involved at this time. Moving forward, details will be collated for the Coroner's report.

Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp

Click this link[4] or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.

If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice[5].

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here[6] and sign up to our daily newsletter[7] here.

References

1. ^ Co Tyrone mum hits out at six year wait for inquest after son's motorway crash death (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
2. ^ Family of Tiernan Rooney raise concerns over investigation into his death (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
3. ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ Click this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ Privacy Notice (www.reachplc.com)
6. ^ here (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
7. ^ sign up to our daily newsletter (www.belfastlive.co.uk)