Hampshire family shares heartbreak after daughter's domestic abuse death
Skye Nicholls’s parents share heartbreak after she took her own life
The parents of a young woman who took her own life after being a victim of domestic abuse, have spoken out about their loss and its profound impact on their lives.
23 year old Skye Nicholls was found dead at her home in Lindford near Bordon on 9th June 2023.
During investigations into her death, police learned of the abuse perpetrated by her then-partner, 26-year-old James Edwards from Horndean, with whom she had started a relationship in December 2022.
Edwards subjected Skye to verbal threats, vile insults, and encouraged her to take her own life.
He was charged with two counts of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and pleaded guilty on 1st September 2025.
Originally sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison on 7th November 2025, Edwards's sentence was reduced to 21 months on 27th February 2026 following an appeal.
Skye’s father, Andrew, shared his experience of dealing with the loss of his daughter: “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."
Mother, Ashlie, described the devastating change in her family following Skye's death, expressing the tremendous impact it has had on their 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 grownup 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."
The family’s shared experiences aim to highlight the profound effect domestic abuse can have on loved ones and encourage those affected to seek help.
For anyone experiencing domestic abuse, the police can be contacted confidentially on 101.
Additionally, Clare’s Law is available for those concerned about they or their loved ones being at risk from a partner with a history of abuse.