Inquest opened into death of teen influencer amid claims of relentless trolling

A teenage influencer who featured in a Channel 5 documentary tragically died from an overdose, a court heard.

Princess-Bliss Dickson, 16, was said to have been bullied online before being found dead in Waltham Abbey, Essex, in February.

She had been in the public eye since 2014, when she appeared on the Channel 5 documentary Blinging Up Baby.

The show featured mums who spent thousands on jewellery and clothing accessories for their kids.

The inquest into Princess’ death was opened yesterday, but was immediately suspended as a police investigation remains ongoing.

Sophie-May, 32, previously claimed Princess took her own life aged 16 after being the victim of online bullying.

The mum said her daughter had been targeted with repeated hurtful remarks about her appearance from the age of 14 on online forums.

Sophie-May was initially the focus of the criticism, with thousands of posts discussing her life and family.

However, after she stepped back from some social media, attention is said to have shifted towards Princess.

But Sophie-May was further targeted in March after she posted images from beside her daughter’s coffin.

In a post, she wrote: “26.3.26. The day I tucked my baby to sleep for the very last time. The hardest goodbye.

“How do you ever accept kissing your baby for the very last time? I love you princess. You are loved beyond belief.

“I’ll see you next in heaven girl. Please be at the gates to greet me when it’s my time and show me all around.

“Miss you so much – this missing piece will never ever be filled. You took a piece of me when you left.”

But trolls slammed the images from the grieving mum as inappropriate.

One critic said: “I find this totally bizarre. I remember burying my partner and I could barely get dressed or talk to anyone at all.

“I know we all grieve different but wow social media and vanity has really got a hold of you.

“This is truly just weird. I was an utter sobbing, unsocial, miserable absolute hollow mess.”

Sophie-May hit back, saying she had taken the pictures to capture the last moments with her daughter, adding: “I did not broadcast this for views.”

At the hearing at County Hall in Chelmsford, Essex, yesterday, Princess-Bliss’s family were present to attend proceedings.

Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes, said: “My deep condolences to all of you, and I suspect to a great many family and friends that are not here today.”

Coroner’s officer, Matthew Austin, said Princess was living in private supported accommodation in Waltham Abbey at the time of her death.

He said: “She was found unresponsive in bed. An ambulance was called and her death was confirmed at the scene.

“Essex Police are carrying out a police investigation into the death.”

A post mortem examination was carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital by Dr Liina Palm.

An initial cause of death was given as acute toxicity from a prescription-only drug used to treat depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Coroner Mr Brookes said he would suspend the coronial investigation as “priority must be given to the police investigation”.

Essex coroner Sonia Hayes will take over inquest proceedings at a later date and will periodically review the case, he added.

Blinging Up Baby triggered a huge amount of debate as well as an Ofcom investigation following complaints from viewers.

The media regulator assessed the show against section one of the broadcasting code relating to the involvement of under 18s on TV.

It states children must not be caused “unnecessary distress or anxiety by their involvement in… or by the broadcast of those programmes.”

Ofcom bosses later found the show did breach rule 1.28 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Essex Police confirmed a probe into Princess-Bliss’ death remained ongoing.

The force said: “As part of the coronial process, we’re carrying out enquiries into the circumstances around the death of a teenage girl.

“This work is progressing appropriately and in line with the coronial process.”

Essex County Council said it was working alongside cops and Ofsted in the wake of Princess’ tragic death.

A spokesperson said: “We are very saddened to learn about this death that took place on February 7 this year in supported accommodation.

“We are working closely with the police and Ofsted as the local safeguarding authority.

“We will be unable to comment further while the investigation progresses.”