A BELOVED mother and grandmother died after probably having an accident in her own home, an inquest has heard.

Tracey McTaminey, of Kielder Close, Redcar, who was 54, was found by her partner, Danny Walsh, at the foot of the stairs with head injuries.

In a statement read at Teesside Coroner’s Court, Mr Walsh explained that his “beloved” partner of 18 years may have tripped over her two cats.

He explained that he had left Ms McTaminey one night in May after she had had no more than one or two drinks in the garden. When he returned 13 hours later she was at the foot of the stairs after obviously having fallen.

Mr Walsh explained that his partner was an animal lover who adored her two cats but he said; “they were always getting under her feet.”

Assistant coroner, Jo Wharton, was told that Ms McTaminey, who suffered from epilepsy and had been known to have black outs in the past, was rushed to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where it was found she had suffered an extensive haemorrhage. Ms McTaminey, who also had bone-wasting condition osteoporosis, had a serious fracture at the base of her skull.

The inquest heard that after six days Ms McTaminey’s medical team decided that nothing more could be done and, with the agreement of her family, she was placed on palliative, or end-of-life, care. She died with her family around her at about 1pm on Monday, May 30.

A post-mortem was conducted by pathologist Dr David Schoones who said death was a result of head injuries in keeping with a fall down a flight of stairs.

Ms Wharton recorded a narrative conclusion which means the basic circumstances of Ms McTaminey’s death are outlined. She said: “Tracey was a much-loved mother of two and partner. At the time of her death she drank occasionally. She had a history of epilepsy and was found at the foot of a flight of stairs on May 24. Her injuries sustained can be explained by the fall at her house.”

At the time of her death many tributes were paid online to Ms McTaminey who was mother to Rachel and Lucy and a grandmother and a daughter to living parents. One friend, Janet Parker, said: “She was one big laugh and loved life and was such a lovely, good looking friend. I have lots of great memories. Night, night dear friend.”

Kathleen Reynolds said: “Just can’t believe a person of such vitality and personality has gone. Good night, God bless ,Tracy. Several other friends who had worked with Ms McTaminey at Barclaycard also recalled a “funny” and “fun-loving” person.