Tragic Accident at Lowestoft Seafront
A 32-year-old mother tragically lost her life in Lowestoft, Suffolk, after slipping on a narrow path and becoming trapped between sea defence rocks in front of her daughter, an inquest has heard.
On 2 February 2025, Saffron Cole-Nottage was walking her dog along the seafront with her daughter when she lost her footing and fell, ultimately becoming partially submerged as the tide rose.
Details of the Inquest
During the inquest, senior officer Paul Sermons described the tragic sequence of events.
“While walking, Saffron lost her footing and slipped, landing on the pathway. Although Saffron managed to get herself back up, she fell again and landed with her head between the sea defence rocks.”
He added:
“Saffron became trapped and partially submerged in the water with the tide rising.”
Desperate Attempts to Save Her
Saffron’s daughter and members of the public made frantic efforts to free her from the rocks, while emergency services rushed to the scene.
Despite their efforts, Saffron was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Although they managed to free Saffron from the rocks, she tragically died,” Sermons confirmed.
A full inquest into her cause of death has now been scheduled, with a pre-inquest review hearing set for 6 June.
Police Confirm No Suspicious Circumstances
At the time of the incident, Suffolk Police confirmed her death, stating:
“The death is currently being treated as unexplained but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances at this time.”
Tributes Pour in for Saffron
In the days following the tragedy, tributes were laid at the scene, with messages from loved ones expressing their heartbreak.
One tribute, believed to be from her children, read:
“My beautiful mummy, I love you the world.”
Another read:
“You will forever be missed by so many.”
Local resident Tricia Butler, who visited the site to lay flowers, told the BBC:
“The family are obviously devastated. It’s just tragic, absolutely tragic.”
She added:
“It shouldn’t have happened… she had her whole life to live. It’s sad.”
Online, friends and family posted emotional messages, with one reading:
“Rest in paradise, Saff.”
Another described her as a “beautiful, amazing lady”, while a close friend wrote:
“My beautiful bestie forever 32, the light to my everything. I will miss you forever and always – the pain hurts so much. Love you, Saffron Cole-Nottage.”
Ongoing Investigation
With the pre-inquest hearing set for June, more details may emerge regarding the circumstances leading to Saffron’s tragic death.
The community of Lowestoft remains in shock, mourning a mother taken far too soon.
