An inquiry is underway following the tragic deaths of Alphonsine Djiako Leuga, 47, and her 18-year-old daughter, Loraine Choulla, whose bodies were discovered in their Nottingham home in May 2024. The pair had reportedly called for an ambulance four months earlier, but the emergency response was never dispatched. Alphonsine, who lived with a chronic health condition, was also the full-time caregiver for her daughter, who had Down’s Syndrome and required constant support.

Testimonies presented in court revealed that Alphonsine had been hospitalized for a respiratory infection in January 2024 but left early to care for her daughter. Witnesses, including neighbors and local shopkeepers, recalled her expressing concern over heating costs and food insecurity in the months before her death. Despite showing signs of struggle, she reportedly limited external help, fearing her daughter might be taken into care.

Elvira, Alphonsine’s eldest daughter, shared in court that she had last seen her mother and sister during a pleasant family meal in November 2023. Although she later noticed the home was dark and unheated, she delayed raising concerns after being told the pair had been seen in February. A coroner later estimated they may have died several weeks before their bodies were found.

The inquest also heard that Alphonsine had called emergency services in early February, reporting her inability to move due to illness. However, no ambulance was dispatched after the call was mistakenly closed. Officials from the ambulance service have since apologized for the oversight, acknowledging it should never have happened. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is still ongoing.