Mother-of-four died in 'freak accident' when she threw bin bag onto garden fire, inquest hears

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

Katie Louise Marshall, 32, suffered burns on around half of her body when the garden bonfire blasted back at her in Newport, Gwent, on June 26.

A neighbour found her in the garden and phoned emergency services, who took Ms Marshall to hospital.

After being transferred from Grange University Hospital to Morriston Hospital's specialist burns unit in Swansea, Ms Marshall was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary following significant respiratory failure.

She died on September 24.

The inquest at Gwent Coroner's Court heard she died from 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 of Ms Marshall's, said she was 'completely devastated' by her death, adding: 'Life is so cruel. So gutted for Katie's family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her too.'

Tanisha Lloyd said: '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 called Ms Marshall 'beautiful inside and out' and said her thoughts were with her 'precious girls, partner, family and absolutely everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you.'

Senior coroner Caroline Saunders said the inquest would resume on June 9, 2027, at 11am.