An inquest opening has heard that a woman died after falling from her horse. Michelle Durbin, 62, from Aberdare, died in hospital after suffering a traumatic brain injury in the fall.
Details of the incident
The brief hearing at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Wednesday was told that Ms Durbin was riding her horse on July 21 when she fell, causing the injury. She was taken to hospital, but treatment was unsuccessful and she died on August 4.
Cause of death and inquest proceedings
No post-mortem examination was carried out, but a hospital consultant provided the provisional cause of death as a fall, which caused severe head trauma and subsequently pneumonia. Area coroner Patricia Morgan said it was necessary to open a full inquest because she was satisfied there was reason to suspect Ms Durbin's death may have been unnatural.
She adjourned the hearing for further investigation. The full inquest, which may take place in writing, will be scheduled at a later date. Ms Morgan passed her condolences to Ms Durbin's family and friends.
