Coroner rules disappearance of rock guitarist's wife ended in suicide after five-day search
Coroner says notes found near the home and at the scene indicate intent to die; family and bandmates respond with grief and a hiatus
A coroner has ruled that Joanne Jones walked into woodland and took her own life after disappearing during a hike, bringing a five-day search in south Wales to a close. The 49-year-old wife of Nick Jones, the guitarist in the rock band Sister Morphine, did not return home as planned after setting out in walking boots, a raincoat and a rucksack.
Her husband discovered a note in the couple’s bedroom when he returned from work, prompting him to alert police. CCTV footage later shown to a coroner’s inquest captured a woman believed to be Mrs. Jones walking through Pontypridd in a raincoat with a backpack on her back; at one point she appeared to smile and wave at a passing car, among her last sightings. The groundbreaking search for her led authorities to mobilize helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and dozens of volunteers who combed the St Gwynno forestry near Llanwonno, a hilly area west of the town, for five days before her body was found in dense woodland.
Coroner Graeme Hughes told the hearing that Mr. Jones left home for work at 7:30 a.m. without any concerns, and that later that day his wife’s note confirmed she had planned to be away. Additional notes were found both at Mrs. Jones’s home and near the location where her body was discovered, and the coroner said the notes indicated an intention to end her life. Based on the evidence, Hughes recorded a conclusion of suicide.
In a statement released after the inquest, Sister Morphine said the band was devastated by the news and would take a break while they support their bandmate and her family. The post thanked fans and the local community for their support during the search and emphasized that music and social media would take a back seat during this period.
The discovery of Mrs. Jones’s body concluded a highly visible search operation that drew considerable attention across the region. Local authorities described the scene as challenging, given the terrain and the weather conditions during the days of the search. The coroner emphasized that while the notes offer context about her state of mind, they do not provide a definitive explanation for the events of the day she disappeared.
Reaction from neighbors and friends highlighted the couple’s quiet presence in a close-knit community, with many noting that Mrs. Jones enjoyed outdoor activities and was often seen walking in the hillside areas around Pontypridd. Police investigators said there were no indications of foul play, and the investigation was closed after the coroner’s ruling.
For people affected by a suicide or who are worried about someone displaying signs of distress, confidential support is available from Samaritans at 116 123 or samaritans.org, and the CALM zone offers resources at https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support. The community and band members urged those who are grieving to seek support as they navigate the loss and the hiatus for the band.