A RAMSBOTTOM student who fell from a motorway bridge and died in hospital three days later had a history of mental illness and had made previous attempts on her life, an inquest was told.

Robyn Lesley Fisher, 17, of Park Road, Holcombe Brook, fell 40 feet from the bridge carrying the A56 over the M66 at Gollinrod, near Bass Lane, Summerseat, Ramsbottom, on the afternoon of August 18.

Her parents, Richard and Sylvia Fisher, were on their way home from holiday in Cyprus and were met by police at Manchester airport on their arrival.

Robyn, who suffered serious head and leg injuries, was rushed to a local hospital and then transferred to Manchester Royal Hospital in a critical condition.

Because there was no significant improvement and with her parents' consent, the life support machine was switched off on August 21.

Although identification evidence was given to Bury district coroner Barrie Williams at the opening of the inquest, Robyn's parents were excused attendance in the light of circumstances. The coroner was told that Robyn had a history of psychiatric treatment and had made previous attempts on her own life.

A letter in her handwriting was later discovered which gave an indication of her intentions.

Geoff Cave, the coroner's officer, said it was established that Robyn had jumped from the bridge over the M66 but had not been hit by a motor vehicle.

She survived three days until the life support machine was switched off because "nothing more could be achieved from the medical point of view."

The cause of death was multiple injuries. Police were satisfied there was no evidence of third party involvement in Robyn's death.

The coroner adjourned the hearing pending further inquiries.

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