The death of a semi-professional, former Charlton Athletic footballer from Sidcup, who was found hanging in her family home, came "completely out of the blue", an inquest heard.

Katie Sheppard, 20, of Montrose Avenue, who also played for West Ham United, had just finished her first year studying sport and exercise science at Kent University.

The former St Mary's - Christ the King College student was described as a "fit and healthy young woman" who was "very confident", "very independent" and "very loving".

She had complained of feeling low last year, and had been prescribed anti-depressants. However she was no longer receiving treatment at the time of her death.

Nathaniel Hall, the partner of Katie's mother Gill, told Croydon Coroner's Court he found her body in the garage of their home in Montrose Avenue when he returned home from work on July 2.

He said: "I arrived at the house at approximately five to five that evening.

"I called upstairs to Katie as we always did and got no answer.

"I took the shopping to the kitchen and the conservatory door was ajar so I assumed she was doing some washing.

"I saw a light was on in the garage.

"I shouted, I screamed 'Oh my God no'. I didn't know what to do.

"I didn't believe what I saw. I couldn't believe she would do that."

A note was later found in Katie's room which said: "God forgive me, I sacrifice myself to you and your kingdom." A picture of a coffin, with the letter 'K' on it, was drawn on the note.

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Mother Gill Sheppard told the inquest: "She came home from uni, she was really determined that she wanted to work.

"She had booked a Disney trip for her and a friend. She was looking for a house for her second year at uni.

"It felt in the last 18 months there had been a change in her, a vulnerability that I hadn't seen before.

"It is something I am going to have to carry for the rest of my life. She didn't share with us, it is something she masked.

"She would say: 'I love you mum, I love you mum'. She was very loving.

"We'd had dinner the night before and she was fine.

"The following morning I didn't say goodbye, I just knocked on her bedroom door and said 'I'm going'. I wish is spoken to her, I wish I'd gone in and seen her.

"I still don't know why she did it. I am still so shocked."

Coroner Adela Williams recorded an open verdict and told the court: "There is no explanation for what happened and why Katie did what she did.

"It was not clear whether she intended to die or whether this was a cry for help.

"I have to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt. 

"I am therefore going to record an open verdict."