British woman, 23, sent heartbreaking message to family before taking her own life on Greek holiday, inquest hears

By TOM LAWRENCE

Published: 14:46 BST, 6 May 2025 | Updated: 14:49 BST, 6 May 2025

A young British woman sent a heartbreaking message to her family before taking her own life on a balcony in Greece, an inquest has heard. 

Melissa Cross, 23, was staying in the four-star Golden Sun hotel in the resort of Kalamaki on the island of Zakynthos with her boyfriend.

The care worker caused alarm when she sent a message to her family explaining her ‘thoughts and intentions’. 

An inquest heard Melissa, of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, was found dead 2,000 miles away from home on September 25, 2023.

She had posted a series of holiday photos on social media in the days leading up to her death while visiting sandy beaches and riding quad bikes.   

She wrote: ‘Most beautiful morning seeing the turtles and visiting the blue caves, absolutely obsessed with how clear the water is out here.’

Coroner Kerrie Burge said: ‘There had been no previous indications that Melissa would harm herself but Melissa had sent a goodbye message to her family explaining her thoughts and intentions.

‘On the balance of probabilities it is more likely than not that Melissa intended to take her own life by her actions.’

An inquest heard that Melissa Cross, 23, sent a message to her family before she took her own life 

Melissa was on holiday, staying on the island of Zakynthos with her boyfriend

Melissa posted a series of holiday pictures in the days leading up to her death

Care worker Melissa was described by her family as being ‘kind and caring’

The coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest in Pontypridd, South Wales,

Friends and family paid tribute to Melissa following her death.

Her sister said: ‘Melissa, my kind caring and amazing baby sister. I miss you every second of every day. My world will never be the same again.

‘I’ve loved you all of your life, and I will love and miss you for the rest of mine.’

Another family member said: ‘Melissa, my beautiful gorgeous Auntie Mel. I love and miss you so much more than anything.

‘We’ve made so many amazing memories together over the years. We were so close with each other. Rest in pure paradise Melissa.’

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British woman, 23, sent heartbreaking message to family before taking her own life on Greek holiday, inquest hears

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