Accountant, 26, took own life after ‘stupid mistake’ drunk driving

Marina Watters, 26, was devoted to her family including her nana and grandad, family said

A young woman, Marina Watters, who was described as ‘the life and soul of everything,’ tragically took her own life after facing charges of drunk driving.

Marina, 26, was deeply worried about losing her dream job and not being able to assist her grandparents with shopping if she lost her driving license. This concern was voiced during an inquest into her death.

David Howes, who assessed Marina's mental state after her arrest, shared, ‘She was just tearful, regretted her decisions, and said she had made a stupid mistake. She presented as remorseful. She denied having any thoughts of suicide or self-harm. She was just worried about not being able to drive for her job and visiting her grandparents to help them with their shopping.’

Marina had shown a natural aptitude for numbers from a young age and went on to achieve her goal of becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant. She was devoted to her family, especially her nana and grandad, and enjoyed playing pool and betting on horses.

Her brother Michael ‘Mikey’ Watters expressed his deep pain, saying, ‘She was my everything, my rock, I’m deeply hurt, and I cannot imagine how I can move on in life without her.’ He added, ‘She was one of those people who would not want to tell anyone anything that would cause them pain.’

Marina's best friend, Cherise Barnard, 23, remembered her fondly, saying, ‘Marina was the life and soul of everything. All she ever wanted to do was help others.’

Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that Marina had been observed ‘driving erratically’ in Dereham in the early hours of April 23 last year. She failed a roadside breathalyzer test and was subsequently charged after being found to be twice the legal alcohol limit.

Following her arrest, Marina was released from Wymondham police station and bailed to appear before Norwich magistrates court in May.

The inquest revealed that a Safety Incident Review had been conducted after her death. Norfolk Area Coroner Samantha Goward confirmed that the review flagged no areas of concern and that all procedures were ‘per routine practice,’ including the standard mental health assessment.

Coroner Goward recorded a narrative conclusion, stating that Marina Watters died ‘due to a deliberate hanging, but her thought process may have been impacted due to side effects of taking ketamine, so her intent is not known.’