The self-inflicted death of a former Sunday Tribunejournalist suffering from depression was unexpected by her family and psychiatrist, an inquest has heard.
Following her death, the newspaper highlighted the issue of depression in a series of articles.
Roberta Gray (28), Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin, was found dead by her parents on New Year's Day 2006, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday.
She left a note to her parents explaining her actions "couched in very loving terms", coroner Dr Brian Farrell told the court.
Patrick Gray told the court that his daughter was attending a psychiatrist and was taking medication at the time of her death.
He said her death occurred "out of the blue" as she had plans to go on a skiing holiday in the coming weeks.
Dr Farrell said Ms Gray's psychiatrist also indicated in correspondence that she was not considered suicidal.
"There is no indication that I can see that she was actively thinking about taking her own life," he said.
The coroner recorded a verdict using the phraseology that Ms Gray "took her own life" rather than a verdict of death by suicide.
Commiserating with the family, he added: "Sometimes it's not easy to find the right words in the face of such a tragedy. I hope and pray that you will be able to find the strength to bear this. I can well empathise with you in your grief."
Ms Gray had established herself as an insightful arts critic and has been described as a talented and dynamic journalist by her former colleagues.
According to her wishes, a non-religious ceremony was conducted after her death, with readings from family and friends.
