Mother Dies After Throwing Bag of Rubbish Onto Garden Fire

A mother-of-four died in a freak accident when a paint canister inside a bin bag she threw onto a garden fire exploded, an inquest has heard.

Katie Louise Marshall, 32, suffered burns on approximately half of her body when the garden bonfire blasted back at her in Newport, Gwent, on June 26. A neighbor discovered Ms. Marshall in the garden and contacted emergency services, who transported her to a local hospital.

Following her transfer from Grange University Hospital to Morriston Hospital's specialist burns unit in Swansea, Ms. Marshall was subsequently moved to Bristol Royal Infirmary due to significant respiratory failure. She passed away on September 24.

The inquest at Gwent Coroner's Court was told that her death was attributed to bacterial pneumonia, inhalation injury, and flash burns.

Dozens of friends paid tribute to Ms. Marshall, releasing pink balloons and fireworks in her memory. Louise Davies, a friend, described herself as 'completely devastated' by the loss, adding, 'Life is so cruel. So gutted for Katie's family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her too.'

Tanisha Lloyd commented, 'You touched the hearts of so many people whether it was recently or 20 years ago during school days. You definitely left your mark in people's hearts.' Julia Rees referred to Ms. Marshall as 'beautiful inside and out' and expressed her thoughts were with her 'precious girls, partner, family and absolutely everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you.'

Senior coroner Caroline Saunders stated that the inquest would resume on June 9, 2027, at 11 a.m.