A date has been set for an inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of a much-loved young woman who lost her life in a car crash.

Natalie Marshall, 25, from West Auckland, died in the early hours of June 17 after her Mercedes C Class left the road and collided with a tree on the A167 near Coatham Mundeville, on the outskirts of Darlington.

Natalie, a dear friend to many, as well as being a cherished daughter, sister and auntie, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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As the community came together to mourn her passing, friends said the mobile phone saleswoman with a big personality would ‘light up the room as soon as she walked in’.

After her death, family and friends raised to thousands of pounds to support the two teenage sisters she looked after as legal guardian.

The Northern Echo: The crash took place A167 near Coatham Mundeville, on the outskirts of DarlingtonThe crash took place A167 near Coatham Mundeville, on the outskirts of Darlington (Image: Northern Echo)

Specialist road policing officers from Durham Constabulary have examined her vehicle and the scene for clues that might explain what happened prior to the crash.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out by a Home Office pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton and toxicology tests have been conducted.

On Wednesday, at Crook Coroners’ Court, a mention hearing was held to arrange the conclusion of proceedings when all of the evidence can be assessed.

The court heard the toxicology report was complete, but details of the findings have not yet been disclosed.

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Senior Coroner for County Durham and Darlington Jeremy Chipperfield said they would be passed to Dr Bolton so she can conclude her report.

The Northern Echo: Natalie Marshall Natalie Marshall (Image: Natalie Marshall)

He said: “Natalie Elizabeth Marshall died on June 17

“It is believed that her death related to a road traffic collision.

“It is often the case that when there is toxicological analysis it takes a little while.

“It is technical thing but we have to wait some weeks usually, but it is important that the pathologist has that information before she completes her report.

“So what I am going to do is set Natalie’s inquest for a resumed hearing, that is where the rest of the evidence will be heard and that will be the conclusion as well.”

The hearing will be held on December 8.

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