Annie Dryden: Middlesbrough 21-year-old who vanished for months died after taking drugs

An inquest has concluded that 21-year-old Annie Dryden, from Middlesbrough, died as a result of taking multiple drugs.

Her body was found in remote woodland near High Farm in Little Eastby on April 27, 2024 — nearly four months after she was reported missing in January.

At Northallerton Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, July 23, the hearing was told Annie had long-standing mental health struggles and had previously overdosed on heroin and been hospitalised following a suicide attempt.

She was last seen by a mental health professional on January 4. The next day, she was reported missing.

A post-mortem confirmed fatal levels of morphine in her system, and the coroner ruled her death was drug-related.

However, he said there was not enough evidence to conclude suicide.