A mother of two died from severe traumatic head injuries following an alleged hammer attack by her partner, an inquest has been told. Zoe Marie Dixon, 35, was attacked at her home in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, on June 15, and later died at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Police believe her partner, Nathan Thomas, 39, bludgeoned Ms. Dixon shortly before midnight before fleeing the scene. He was found deceased four hours later at Pontsticill Reservoir, in the Brecon Beacons.
The couple's children, aged 16 and 10, reportedly raised the alarm after the attack. Ms. Dixon was taken to the hospital with critical head injuries but deteriorated and passed away on June 22. The inquest, which opened on July 2 at Pontypridd Coroner's Court, was told that her death was considered both traumatic and unnatural. A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as blunt head trauma, including a skull fracture and brain bleed.
South Wales Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a homicide. A spokesperson previously confirmed that emergency services were called to the address in Rocky Road on June 15. Ms. Dixon was conveyed to the hospital for treatment, and the man was found deceased early on June 16. The confirmation of Ms. Dixon's death came on June 22. Next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
A fundraising page established in the aftermath of Ms. Dixon's death described her as a "beautiful, lovely" woman whose life was taken prematurely. The page noted that her death had a significant impact on her children, mother, and brother. It further described Ms. Dixon as a "straight-talking, funniest, strongest woman" and an "amazing mother" dedicated to her children.
A full inquest date has not yet been scheduled.