Watch: Emily Williams was discharged to die – and her distraught family left begging for answers

Young, innocent and bravely battling her demons, Emily Williams should never have died. Now her family is pleading for answers. Watch the trailer for our new investigation.

Emily Williams was bright, bubbly and struggling. Her family relied on the hospital system for help. But in the end, it was the hospital system that failed her – and those who loved her believe authorities are covering up details of her tragic death.

Emily’s mental health battles started young. By her teens, she was dealing with borderline personality disorder, eating disorders and anxiety, but she was still bravely fighting her demons. She had started university and wanted to become a nurse.

Watch the trailer in the player above – and the full documentary and exclusive investigation on Monday

Emily Jayne Williams was 29 when she took her own life. Picture: Supplied by her family

Emily’s parents Jenny and Peter have spent two years desperate for answers, fearing other families could be failed in the same way. Picture: Dean Martin

But at 18, something happened that changed everything. A traumatic event sent her into a downward spiral she would never fully recover from.

Emily spent years in and out of hospitals across Adelaide. On December 30th, 2023, when she was just 29, her family’s worst fears came true.

Emily had been admitted to hospital the day prior because she was suicidal and put on a detainment order.

But within 24 hours, that order was lifted and Emily was released. She then walked to the park just metres from Flinders Medical Centre and took her own life.

Believing the hospital covered up parts of her case, Emily’s distraught family has spent two years in grief and begging for answers.

Now an investigation by The Advertiser has uncovered shocking revelations about what transpired, and serious omissions in the information authorities provided to the coroner.

Emily’s story will be told in a new documentary by The Advertiser – Discharged to Die: Failing Emily

Health Minister Chris Picton told The Advertiser that as well as a coronial investigation, the state’s Chief Psychiatrist will now commission an independent review into Emily’s case.

So why was Emily allowed to leave the hospital? And why did the official story change?

The exclusive documentary Discharged to Die: Failing Emily will be released on advertiser.com.au on Monday, December 8th

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Originally published as Watch: Emily Williams was discharged to die – and her distraught family left begging for answers