A CORONER has extended her deepest condolences to the family of an Eden Valley woman as an inquest was formally opened into her death.

Tributes were paid following the tragic passing of Eileen Kelly, of Crosby Ravensworth, after a two-vehicle collision close to Maulds Meaburn village.

This occurred on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

“Eileen will be deeply missed by the community of Crosby Ravensworth,” said a Cumbria Police spokesman after the tragedy, while also issuing a public appeal for information about the incident. “We would also like to thank those who assisted at the scene to help Eileen and the emergency services.”

An inquest into her death was formally opened yesterday morning (Thursday) by Cumbria area coroner Kirsty Gomersal. “It goes without saying that Miss Kelly’s family and friends have my deepest condolences on her passing,” said Ms Gomersal.

Formal identification had been provided by Miss Kelly’s son, Darren James.

Outlining the brief circumstances of her death, Ms Gomersal said: “She was involved in a road traffic collision in Maulds Meaburn on the C3060 to B6260 road.

"She was conveyed to the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, where she sadly died on November 29 at 3.03pm.

"A post mortem examination has been carried out and I am offered a cause of death of multiple injuries.

“Given the circumstances and cause of Miss Kelly’s death I am satisfied that an inquest is required.”

“I am aware that there are ongoing enquiries in relation to Miss Kelly’s death and therefore I am going to exercise my discretion,” added the coroner, “to suspend the inquest into Miss Kelly’s death until the conclusion of those enquiries.

“And therefore whilst this inquest has a been opened it is now suspended and no provisional conclusion date has been set.”

Miss Kelly was the former partner of Harold Metcalfe, and mother to two sons, Robert and Darren.