Tammy Shipley, 47 years old and a devoted mother to five children and two grandchildren, was remembered for her warmth and joy during an inquest into her death while being held at Silverwater women’s correctional centre in New South Wales. The inquest highlighted her passion for creating TikTok videos and her love for gardening, particularly her fondness for picking tomatoes for her grandchildren. Shipley’s tragic death occurred on December 20, 2022, after she was remanded due to minor shoplifting charges, raising questions about the conditions and treatment in custody.

The court learned that Shipley died from hyponatraemia, resulting from extremely low sodium levels, which was linked to her polydipsia and complications from schizoaffective disorder. Her mother and children expressed their profound grief during the proceedings, with her daughter Hayley sharing how their lives have been irrevocably altered since her mother’s passing. They painted a picture of Shipley as a loving individual who not only cherished her family but also actively engaged with her community, bringing a light into the lives of those around her.

The inquest not only serves to remember Tammy Shipley’s legacy as a caring parent but also raises important discussions around the mental health issues faced by individuals in custody and the systemic challenges within correctional institutions. The impact of her death echoes through her family, sparking conversations about the need for better support for vulnerable individuals in such environments, emphasizing the significance of appropriate mental health care and compassionate treatment in prisons.