A CORONER has called the death of a mother and her 14-month-old son at their Whitehaven home at Christmas a 'tragedy of unimaginable proportions'.

Loved ones of Natalie Kane, 27, and her baby, Harry, have today (Tuesday) described their passing as 'utterly heartbreaking'.

At an inquest into their deaths this afternoon, Natalie’s brother, Shane Evitts, told in a statement of his sister’s involvement with the sea cadets as a youngster and then Army service as a driver from the age of 18.

Natalie — who left the Army — also went through difficult times, including drug addiction and depression.

But following the birth of Harry, in October 2020, Shane saw an immediate change in his sister.

“She suddenly grew up,” he stated. “She was so loving, caring and thoughtful. She was one of the best mums I have ever seen.”

A friend, Ashton Graham, had stated: “Natalie’s life revolved around Harry.”

By December the following year, Natalie was looking forward to Christmas Day. Shane last saw her two days beforehand during a visit to her Wellington Row flat in Whitehaven.

“She was happy,” he recalled.

Earlier that month, Natalie had told a member of the Recovery Steps group she was 'doing great' and on December 20, 2021, a test proved negative for all substances other than her prescribed methadone.

On Christmas Eve she went shopping with friend Stacey Hackett — with whom she was due to spend the following day — and was last seen by a Tesco store assistant just after 5.30pm.

But thereafter, messages sent by Stacey went unread and FaceTime calls would not connect. Stacey was not unduly concerned by Natalie’s failure to show on Christmas Day, believing she was with relatives or spending quiet time with Harry.

There were no further sightings for several days. On December 30, Rebecca Todd, centre manager for the Women Out West support group, contacted police.

Natalie had not collected her methadone script the previous day — which was 'out of character' — and Rebecca had no response when conducting a home visit welfare check.

A PC found the door to her third floor flat insecure. He entered and inside discovered the bodies of Natalie in the living room, close to a Christmas tree and unopened presents, and Harry in the bathroom. A bath tap was running.

Harry was said to have died from dehydration, ‘probably over a number of days’ after his mother’s death, the inquest heard.

Summing up the evidence, assistant Cumbria coroner Ms Margaret Taylor spoke of an ‘incredibly distressing case’.

“What can anyone say?” said Ms Taylor as she offered heartfelt condolences to family members.

Ms Taylor concluded that both died between December 24 and 30 – Natalie having succumbed to the effect of voluntary butane inhalation, and Harry having been ‘left alone and unable to fend for himself due to his tender age’.

“The purchase of that lighter fluid set in motion unimaginably tragic events and these have led directly to Natalie’s death and thereafter that, some time later, Harry’s death as well,” the coroner concluded.

“A tragedy of unimaginable proportions,” said Ms Taylor.