It was not until January 2006, three years later, that her decomposed body was uncovered by officials from a housing association in North London.
The team was called to reclaim the apartment due to Vincent’s failure to pay rent, leading them to the tragic discovery.
Her body was so severely decomposed that identification was only possible through dental records.
The police ruled out any foul play. While the precise cause of death remained undetermined, they speculated that she likely died of natural causes, possibly linked to asthma.
Moved by this tragedy, filmmaker Carol Morley embarked on a journey to reconstruct the narrative of Vincent’s life.
Morley’s 2011 documentary, Dreams of a Life, portrays Vincent as a vibrant and ambitious woman, whose life was quietly marked by isolation and loneliness for unknown reasons.
Vincent’s former romantic partners, colleagues, and classmates provided insights into her life, describing her as ‘pretty’ and a ‘bright girl’.
She had four sisters and a solid work history, including employment at Ernst & Young, a prestigious accounting firm.
Morley’s documentary leaves unanswered the question of how Vincent became overlooked for several years.
A former boyfriend, who dated Vincent for three years, expressed shock upon learning of her death.
As reported by Vibe Topics, he commented: “You look back and think, I wish I’d asked more, wish I’d understood more.”
The documentary implies that no one truly knew who Joyce was deep down.
Her colleagues had differing views on her departure when she left her job in 2001, with some believing she went traveling or found another position.
Her final moments perhaps offer the most insight into her life.
Bailiffs discovered her with the TV still on and a stack of unopened mail by her door.
There were reportedly dishes in the sink and wrapped Christmas presents nearby, suggesting the season when Vincent might have passed away.
On Reddit, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the severe impact of isolation and emphasizes the need to check on others.
One user shared: “Lord stuff like this made me reevaluate myself. I decide to make it a point to text friends and family. Visit as much as I can. I don’t want to end up like her. She shouldn’t have ended up like that either.”
Some mentioned they stopped contacting others and left social media for months, with no one reaching out to them.
“I know people are busy with their own lives, but sometimes you think ‘am I so unlikeable?’ It makes you bitter and you sort of turn in on yourself,” another user wrote.
If you or someone you know is facing difficulties or in crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to connect with a 24-hour crisis center, or visit 988lifeline.org for web chat support. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.