Credit: Facebook
Police found 43-year-old Jemma Hart lifeless in her Swindon home in January 2024, about a month after her last sighting.
Her neighbor, Lorraine, had requested a welfare check after hearing Hart’s dogs barking nonstop.
Lorraine, 66, told the Daily Mail she grew concerned after hearing Jemma Hart’s dogs bark endlessly.
She knocked but got no response.
She tried using a spare key Hart had given her, but couldn’t unlock the door due to a key inside the lock.
Unsure what else to do, she called the police.
Authorities found Hart dead in her living room.
A coroner ruled it suicide, with no foul play involved.
Tragically, one of her dachshunds was also dead beside her; the other appeared distressed.
Struggles Before Her Death
In the weeks before her death, Jemma Hart faced personal hardships, including a breakup with her long-term boyfriend.
Lorraine shared, “She had a boyfriend who was very good to her. But he called the police on her when he said he was going to leave. He left around Christmas 2023.”
Neighbors and friends were stunned, unaware of her struggles.
“She was a lovely woman,” one neighbor said.
“She always had time to stop and chat — just an all-round wonderful person.”
Dogs’ Disturbing Role in the Discovery
When police entered Hart’s home, they found that her dachshunds had begun eating her body after her death.
Lorraine, her neighbor, said Hart once planned to breed the dogs: “Jemma told me she was going to breed her dachshunds and sell the puppies.”
She described them differently: “The brown one, Milly, was still a puppy and a lovely dog. But the black one, Frankie, was vicious. He didn’t like people or other dogs.”
Community Left in Shock
Neighbors expressed deep regret for not recognizing Hart’s struggles.
“She was a friendly local we saw walking her dogs. None of us knew she had mental health issues,” one said.
Hart’s son shared the news online:
“After spending the last couple of weeks to even process what we’re about to share… my beautiful mum Jemma passed away January 29 unexpectedly.”
He signed it, “Jem’s Boys & Family.”
Friends responded with grief and warmth:
“Your mum was a lovely woman, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“I had many good moments with Jem,” another added.
Final Thoughts
Hart had lived in her home for about ten years. Chronic pain and mobility issues forced her to stop working, adding to her distress.
Neighbors say her death brought the community closer. “Now we stop and talk more. We’re checking in on each other,” one said.
Police ruled her death a suicide and found no signs of foul play.
