The search for Nicola Bulley concluded with the discovery of her body in the River Wyre, followed by an inquest that ruled her death an accident.
Here is the detailed outcome:
1. Discovery
- Date: On February 19, 2023, more than three weeks after she disappeared (January 27), Nicola Bulley’s body was found in the River Wyre.
- Location: She was discovered by two members of the public approximately one mile downstream from the bench where her phone and dog had been found.
- Identification: She was formally identified using dental records.
2. Inquest Verdict (June 2023)
The official coroner’s inquest recorded a verdict of accidental drowning. The Senior Coroner, Dr. James Adeley, established the following key facts:
- Cold Water Shock: Experts testified that the river temperature was approximately 4C (39F). Falling into water this cold likely triggered “cold water shock,” causing an immediate, involuntary gasp reflex that would have led to her inhaling water and losing consciousness within seconds.
- No Third-Party Involvement: The pathologist found no evidence of assault or physical attack, and police found no evidence of anyone else being involved.
- Not Suicide: The coroner ruled out suicide, noting there was no evidence of intent. Toxicology reports confirmed she had no alcohol in her system at the time of death.
3. Aftermath & Police Review
An independent review published in November 2023 assessed the Lancashire Police’s handling of the case.
- Operational Success: The review found the actual police investigation and search were well-conducted.
- Media Failure: The report was highly critical of the police’s media strategy, specifically the decision to release sensitive personal information about Ms. Bulley’s health (struggles with menopause and alcohol). The review deemed this disclosure “avoidable and unnecessary” and noted it damaged public confidence.
And the Dog Just Watched?
It is a haunting detail of the case, but yes-Willow, Nicola Bulley’s Springer Spaniel, did not enter the water.
The dog was found “bone dry” and pacing anxiously between the riverbank bench and a nearby gate. While it is natural to wonder why a loyal family dog wouldn’t jump in to save its owner, animal behaviorists and the inquest provided several explanations for Willow’s reaction:
- Confusion and Anxiety: Experts testified that the dog’s “running back and forth” was a clear sign of distress. Willow likely did not understand what had happened. If Nicola fell victim to cold water shock (which silences a victim almost instantly), there may have been no splashing, shouting, or clear struggle to trigger a “rescue” instinct in the dog.
- Breed Traits: Springer Spaniels are working dogs bred to “flush” game out of hiding for their masters. They are trained to locate and wait for instructions, not necessarily to perform water rescues. One expert noted that Willow staying near the phone and harness (which were on the bench) was the dog effectively “guarding” the last known location of her owner.
- Self-Preservation: The water was freezing (approx. 4C). Dogs are intelligent; if the bank was steep or the water looked dangerous, Willow may have instinctively hesitated to jump in.
The image of the dog waiting by the bench became one of the most poignant symbols of the tragedy, but investigators concluded that Willow’s “dry” state was actually a crucial piece of evidence-it helped confirm that whatever happened to Nicola likely happened very quickly and without a protracted struggle that drew the dog into the river.
