Parents speak of their heartbreak as young Hampshire woman dies by suicide after partner's campaign of domestic abuse
Skye Nicholls killed herself seven months after starting a relationship with James Edwards. He was jailed for abusing her
A young woman took her own life after suffering a campaign of domestic abuse - and her parents have explained the devastation this has caused their lives.
Skye Nicholls was found dead aged 23 at her home in Hampshire - and as police investigated, they discovered she had been the target of verbal abuse from her then-partner James Edwards, from Horndean, who would threaten her with physical violence, subject her to vile insults, and sometimes tell her to kill herself. The pair had started a relation seven months before Skye’s death.
Edwards, 26, was charged with two counts of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, to which he pleaded guilty on September 1, 2025.
He was jailed on November 7, 2025 for two years and three months, however this was reduced to 21 months on 27 February this year after an appeal. Skye died on June 9, 2023.
Speaking of the impact of Skye’s death, her father Andrew said: “There is no stronger relationship than the one between a father and a daughter. Sadly my dad and daughter bond was cut short on June 9, 2023.
“Skye’s passing has left a very big hole in my life. Not only that, it has had a massive impact on us all as a whole family. This family is now broken.
“I found returning to work very difficult. After a short compassionate leave period, with people asking how you are, having to explain that Skye is no longer with us was so hard and upsetting, and still is.
“The fact that she will never walk through the door with that beautiful smile and infectious personality really hurts. They say with time things do feel better - they don’t. As for the impact this has had on our son it is devastating, which I don’t think he will ever get over.
“Family celebrations are not really ‘celebrations’ any more since the light that lit up those Christmases and birthdays was turned off on that horrific day. No electrician in the world can fix that. Only the spark that was Skye could do that - tearfully that is not possible.”
Skye’s mother, Ashlie, said: “The death of my daughter Skye has had a devastating impact on mine and my family’s lives. I feel as though the world stopped and I was plunged into limbo on 9th June 2023 when she was found after taking her own life.
“She was a bright, vivacious, kind and caring young woman who I miss dreadfully. I miss our telephone chats and meeting for lunch. I miss her at birthdays and Christmases as she was the driving force behind the celebrations. Life feels less bright, like a light has gone out.
“I mourn for the grown-up mother and daughter relationship we were starting to have. That she will never realise her dream of a supportive, caring partner and children is heartbreaking.
“I fear for my son’s mental health due to the trauma he suffered on finding Skye and worry about him constantly. Family occasions, which Skye loved, will never be the same again as a large part of our family is now missing and her loss is as keenly felt today as it was the day she died.”
Skye was found at her home in Lindford, East Hampshire.
Hampshire Constabulary have urged anyone affected by domestic abuse to call police on 101 and speak to someone in confidence.
A statement said: “We understand that not everyone wishes to speak to police right away. There are support services, completely independent of the police, who can help you if you’ve been a victim of abuse.”
For more information, visit the domestic abuse support page here.
Police have also highlighted Clare’s Law, which allows police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. It means we can provide information that helps protect people at risk and prevent further crimes.
Under Clare's Law you can apply for information about:
- a current or ex-partner that you still have contact with, because you're worried they may have a history of abuse, and are a risk to you
- a current or ex-partner of a friend or relative that they still have contact with, because you're worried they might be at risk