A young woman from Halling who had recently lost her mother was found dead in her home, an inquest heard today.

Paige Chester, 21, was found by her concerned sister and a friend after they went to her home in Maidstone.

An inquest into her death, which was held at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, was opened this morning by coroner Patrica Harding.

During the hearing Mrs Harding revealed Paige’s friends became concerned about her on Monday, March 6, when they could not contact her.

Paige, who until recently lived in Upper Halling, had previously told a family friend she wanted to be with her mother who had passed away in November.

Her worried sister Shannon and a friend found her at her home in Thornhill Place.

Just days before, Paige had posted on her Facebook page that she was happy.

On Friday, March 3, she posted: “After the worst time of my life I’ve come out so much stronger, couldn’t be happier right now with work and life in general.

“Soppy as it is wish you could see me now mum but hope your proud of me.”

Many of her devastated friends and family have left tributes to her on Facebook.

Her brother, Shane Chester, wrote: “Sis I love you so so much!

“This is killing me! I know you’re with mum now and that’s all you wanted.

“Just wish there was something I could of done.

“Just know this every thing I do now is for you and mum I just hope I can some how make you proud of me!.

“Rest in peace my little angel I love you so much.”

Rhys Michael Gray wrote: “I’m going to make this short and simple, but RIP Paige Chester we was so close at a stage in our life.

"You helped me through a lot at one point I can’t thank you enough and hearing the sad news that you’ve tragically passed away at such a young age is a pull on the heart strings.

"Thoughts go out to Shannon! Lots of love sleep tight.”

Demi Thomas posted: “This is news that nobody should ever have to hear and ever have to go through.

“I am devastated to hear that the sky has gained another angel Paige Chester, sleep tight you little beauty.”?

Lara Louise added: “Paige Chester you darling girl. Fly high with the angels, sleep tight xx.”

And Chantelle Ivy wrote: “Life really is too short. Rest in peace Paige Chester. And my thoughts are with you Shannon Chester in this very hard time.”

The inquest was opened and adjourned earlier today and a full inquest into Paige’s death is expected to be held on Tuesday, May 23.

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