Doctor dies trapped in chimney of lover's home

Jacquelyn Kotarac, 49, a medical doctor, first tried to get into the house with a shovel, then climbed a ladder to the roof, and slid feet first down the flue.

While she was trying to break in, William Moodie, 58, escaped unnoticed from another exit "to avoid a confrontation," police said.

The body of Dr Kotarac, who had been having an on-off relationship with her boyfriend, was not found for three days.

"She made an unbelievable error in judgment and nobody understands why, and unfortunately she's passed away," Mr Moodie said. "She had her issues – she had her demons – but I never lost my respect for her". He would not comment on the circumstances that led to her death, saying it was more important to focus on the good she did in life.