Tributes Flow for ‘Feisty and Bold’ 24-Year-Old Yorkshire Mother After Tragic Passing

Heartfelt tributes are pouring in for Natasha Masterman, a beloved 24-year-old mother from Yorkshire, following her tragic passing. Described as a ‘fearless and feisty’ individual, Natasha was deeply devoted to her two children.

During the inquest into her death, Natasha’s mother, Josephine, shared that Natasha had faced challenges in mainstream school and later grappled with mental health issues. Despite attending Rastrick High School and acquiring some qualifications, Natasha encountered difficulties from a young age. Josephine expressed frustration that nobody took responsibility for addressing her daughter’s mental health struggles, highlighting a sense of being ‘pushed from pillar to post’ since the age of nine.

Josephine painted a picture of Natasha as a ‘smashing mum,’ emphasizing her independence, feistiness, and fearlessness. Although Natasha did not maintain contact with her biological father, she enjoyed a ‘brilliant’ relationship with her stepdad, Paul, who played a significant role in her life, told Yorkshire Live.

Natasha, who had faced racial challenges as a mixed-race individual, grappled with mental health problems that were never formally diagnosed. Additionally, she experienced homelessness after a relationship breakdown.

Tragically, Natasha was discovered unresponsive at her Hopwood Lane residence in Halifax by her mother in February. Despite efforts to revive her through CPR, she could not be saved, and her death was confirmed at the hospital on February 4. A post-mortem revealed elevated levels of prescription drugs, along with the presence of cannabis and cocaine in her bloodstream.

The inquest, held in Bradford, disclosed Natasha’s interaction with mental health services, which faced complications due to her disengagement, leading to her discharge. Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst determined that Natasha’s death was drug-related, emphasizing that, on the balance of probabilities, it was not suicide.

Expressing condolences, the coroner acknowledged Natasha’s love from family and friends, urging them to remember the joyful moments and laughter rather than her struggles. After the hearing, Natasha’s grandmother, Susan, lamented the lack of necessary help for Natasha, describing her passing as a “sad end to her life” and emphasizing Natasha’s deep love for her family, especially her two boys.