The discovery of Sabrina Marlynn Lyttle’s body in a disabled toilet at The Gurkha Buffet Restaurant in Blackpool has sparked a wave of grief and unanswered questions. The 47-year-old woman, who had a history of homelessness and addiction, was found deceased on November 30th, 2024, three days after entering the restaurant’s locked disabled toilet. The circumstances surrounding her death remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving her family grappling with the pain of loss and seeking clarity amidst the conflicting accounts.
On the evening of November 28th, Ms. Lyttle entered The Gurkha Buffet Restaurant shortly after closing time. CCTV footage revealed her inquiring about the location of the pub toilets, which were in a separate area of the building. Instead of proceeding to the designated public restrooms, she entered the restaurant’s disabled toilet, which, according to the restaurant’s statement, required staff assistance to unlock. The restaurant maintains that access to the disabled toilet was not requested until the following evening, and that attempts to unlock the door proved unsuccessful.
Ms. Lyttle’s daughter, Jade Casey, expressed her anguish and frustration, questioning the thoroughness of the restaurant’s checks. She lamented the possibility that her mother’s life could have been saved had she been discovered sooner. The thought of her mother lying alone and undiscovered for three days, while the restaurant continued its operations, has deeply affected Ms. Casey. She believes her mother may have forced entry into the locked toilet, possibly seeking refuge from the cold after her recent release from prison the day before the incident.
The Gurkha Buffet Restaurant issued a statement defending its procedures, claiming that staff were unable to open the disabled toilet when they attempted to do so on Friday evening and Saturday morning. They emphasized that the disabled toilet is kept locked and requires staff intervention to access, unlike the regular restrooms. The restaurant asserted that their cleaning protocols include daily deep cleaning of the male and female toilets and checks after each authorized use of the disabled toilet. They attributed the inability to open the door to a maintenance issue and stated that the police were alerted after management failed to gain access using various keys and even after removing the locking mechanism. They further criticized public speculation surrounding the incident, urging patience as the inquest progresses.
The contrasting narratives of Ms. Casey and the restaurant highlight the ambiguities surrounding the tragic event. While Ms. Casey believes her mother might have been in distress and requiring assistance, the restaurant insists they followed protocol and were unable to access the locked toilet until Saturday morning. The unanswered questions surrounding the duration of Ms. Lyttle’s confinement in the toilet, her reasons for entering, and the ultimate cause of her death remain focal points of the ongoing investigation.
The Blackpool police confirmed the death and stated that it is not being treated as suspicious. A file is being prepared for the coroner, who will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of Ms. Lyttle’s death. The inquest will likely consider the evidence gathered by the police, including CCTV footage, witness statements from restaurant staff and patrons, and any medical examination reports. The coroner will also examine the restaurant’s policies regarding disabled access and the frequency of checks on the locked toilet. The goal of the inquest will be to provide a comprehensive account of the events leading to Ms. Lyttle’s death and potentially recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ms. Lyttle’s passing sheds light on the complex realities of homelessness and addiction, issues she reportedly struggled with for many years. Her daughter’s tribute paints a picture of a woman battling personal challenges while retaining her kind and humorous nature. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals facing such struggles and underscores the importance of community support and accessible resources for those in need. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and providing closure to Ms. Lyttle’s grieving family.
