The body of a County Durham woman was discovered washed up in dockland two days after her car was found abandoned on a bridge.

Shola Meleah Marsden’s car was seen on CCTV crossing the Humber Bridge near Hull on May 18, the opening of an inquest into the 21-year-old’s death heard on Tuesday (June 25).

Crook Coroners’ Court was told the footage captures a splash in the water beneath the bridge.

Shola’s body was found two days later washed up in New Holland Dock, about 3.6 miles east as the crow flies, two days later, on May 20.

The Esh Winning woman worked as an apprentice solicitor prior to her death.

Coroners’ Officer Tim Gilks told the court: “I understand the circumstances to be that on May 18 Shola’s vehicle was found abandoned on the Humber Bridge. CCTV footage reveals this being driven onto the bridge followed by a splash in the water beneath.

Crook Coroners' Court.Crook Coroners' Court.

“On May 20 her body was located washed up in the dock area around New Holland Dock.”


Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 4 months for just £4, or get 40% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.


A post-mortem examination is yet to determine her medical cause of death.

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to a later date.

The Northern Echo has contacted Humberside Police for a statement.