Dame Jenni Murray died days after being involved in a car crash when she was dazzled by headlights, an inquest has heard. The 75-year-old broadcaster died on March 12, eight days after the collision in north London.
Dame Jenni was best known as the long-serving presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, having hosted the programme for three decades.
Inquest ruling
At an inquest at Barnet Coroner’s Court on Thursday, north London area coroner Tony Murphy ruled that she died from bronchopneumonia caused by fractures to her ribs and sternum sustained in the crash.
The collision happened on Wildwood Road, next to Hampstead Heath, at around 7.44pm on March 4.
Details of the crash
Reading a statement from Dr Clare Morkane, a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital, Mr Murphy heard that Dame Jenni had been driving when she was dazzled by vehicle lights.
‘Jennifer had been driving when she became dazzled by vehicle lights and collided with two stationary vehicles,’ Dr Morkane said. ‘Following the collision, Jennifer was unable to recall events, exited the vehicle independently and she was conveyed to hospital.’
The crash left Dame Jenni with multiple rib fractures, a fracture to the upper sternum and a collapsed lung.
Hospital treatment and death
She was taken to hospital, where she was placed on non-invasive ventilation before being moved to intensive care. She later developed bronchopneumonia and her condition deteriorated significantly on March 10. Doctors then made the decision to focus on palliative care.
Dr Morkane said: ‘Jennifer died peacefully on 12 March 2026 at approximately 15.45 hours.’
