Bold claim: A beloved mother’s accidental drowning reveals how quickly daily routines can turn tragic, especially when a chronic illness complicates every move. And this is the part most people miss: even careful days can end in unforeseen danger. Here’s a clear, gently expanded retelling that preserves all key details and context.
A mother of fifty died in what authorities described as an accidental drowning, discovered by her son after he returned home from work. Kim Gibson, who lived with multiple sclerosis, was found in the bathtub at her Newton Flotman home near Norwich last year. The inquest into her death at Norfolk Coroner’s Court provided the account, noting that her son, Harry Gibson, located her in the bathroom on June 25, 2025.
Emergency responders attended promptly, but they were unable to save Kim, and she was pronounced dead that afternoon. Harry recounted to the court how he searched the house after not finding his mother in her usual places, and finally saw her in the bath once he checked the bathroom a second time.
Harry described starting CPR immediately after draining the water and then contacting emergency services, who arrived within about 15 minutes. He expressed a personal belief that his mother died in the bath as a freak accident.
Kim’s mobility had significantly deteriorated due to multiple sclerosis. Doctors had, by 2025, advised using a wheelchair and warned against her cooking or bathing alone at home due to risk concerns. A post-mortem concluded that she died from drowning, with her illness identified as a major contributing factor in the coroner’s view. The coroner also suggested that the tragedy may have occurred while Kim was attempting to use her bath chair.
Her husband, Paul Gibson, had been caring for Kim as she struggled with daily activities. He indicated she was reluctant to burden others and preferred to cope independently. The inquest heard that Kim had experienced falls in the months leading up to her death and often relied on surfaces and furniture for support as she moved around.
Despite these challenges, Kim remained determined to preserve her independence. On the day she died, she even sent a message to Paul saying she had put the bins out, highlighting her continued efforts to manage daily tasks.
Coroner Robin Weyell commented on the profound impact of Kim’s MS, noting that mobility issues were especially significant in the last two years of her life. He affirmed that the illness was a major factor in the outcome of this tragedy.
In a heartfelt tribute published by Kim’s funeral directors, Paul offered a poignant remembrance: thanking Kim for a wonderful life and expressing his hope that he had given back as much as she gave him. He celebrated Kim’s role in bringing their son, Harry, into their lives and spoke warmly of the granddaughter they cherished. The tribute concluded with gratitude from their extended family and community, who remembered Kim as a strong and beloved presence in their Tesco community and beyond.
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