An animal lover was fatally struck by her own car after she exited the vehicle to save a cat when the handbrake failed on a slope, an inquest has revealed. Jacqueline Davies, 75, died on July 7, the day after the incident, following severe injuries sustained when her red Ford Fiesta rolled forward and hit her.
Davies, from Hollybush in Cwmbran, Torfaen, had been on a hill on July 6 when she got out of the car to move a cat to safety. The vehicle then began to roll. According to reports from Gwent Coroners' Court, Davies was able to call emergency services after the incident but succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
The provisional cause of death was determined to be major hemorrhage, injury to the inferior vena cava, and trauma, Coroner Rose Farmer stated.
In a statement, Davies' family described her as a "strong, independent, spirited mum" who was "never scared to speak her mind." They added, "Our family is devastated and life will never be the same without her." The family is reportedly seeking answers regarding the incident.
Gwent Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the Bryn Millwr area of Hollybush between 10:00 and 10:30 BST on July 6 to come forward. The inquest into Davies' death is scheduled to resume on April 13, 2027.