An animal lover was run over and killed by her own car after she got out to save a cat as the handbrake failed on a slope, an inquest has heard.
Jacqueline Davies, 75, climbed out of the driving seat of her red Ford Fiesta to move the cat to safety on 6 July while on a hill, but her car rolled forward and fatally struck her.
Gwent Coroners’ Court heard Davies, from Hollybush in Cwmbran, Torfaen, was able to dial 999 after the incident, but died in hospital.
In a statement, Davies’ family said she had a “strength that inspired those around her” and added they were “desperate for answers”.
The inquest heard Davies was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with serious injuries, and died the following day.
Coroner Rose Farmer said her provisional cause of death was given as a major haemorrhage, injury to the inferior vena cava – the largest vein in the body – and trauma.
Her family said: “We are heartbroken beyond words at the sudden loss of our beloved mum.
“She was a strong, independent, spirited mum who was never scared to speak her mind, and that was one of the many things we loved about her.
“She was honest, determined and full of character, with a strength that inspired those around her.
“Our family is devastated and life will never be the same without her.
“We are trying to come to terms with what has happened but we are also desperate for answers.”
Gwent Police wants anyone travelling in the area of Bryn Millwr, Hollybush, on 6 July between 10:00 BST and 10:30 who may have witnessed the crash to contact officers.
The inquest into Davies’ death will resume on 13 April 2027.
