An inquest has opened into the death of a woman whose body was found in a car almost four weeks after she was reported missing.
The hearing into the death of Tracey Linda Smith, 57, was held at Northallerton Coroner’s Court on Tuesday (September 8).
Police launched an extensive search for Middlesbrough nurse Ms Smith after she disappeared on Friday, July 24.
She left home in a black Fiat Panda, prompting extensive police appeals.
The hearing was told that on August 18, Ms Smith was involved in a crash on the A19/A172 near Ingleby Arncliffe.
The car was found in undergrowth down an embankment.
A woman’s body was found in the vehicle.
Assistant Coroner Jonathan David Leach confirmed the body was that of Ms Smith.
Mr Leach adjourned the inquest to a date yet to be fixed.
The A172 was closed after the car was found while investigators examined the scene and arranged its recovery.
The road closures remained in place for nearly 12 hours.
At the time, North Yorkshire Police said an investigation would be carried out to establish how the Fiat Panda had left the road.
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The force thanked everyone who responded to the appeals, including the person who reported seeing a vehicle in the undergrowth.
Inspector Ciaran Conlon of the Hambleton and Richmond Neighbourhood Policing Team said finding the vehicle was a key priority.
After the discovery, the force said: “Our thoughts are with Tracey’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
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