The disappearance of Thea Newton, who lived in Clitheroe before moving to Warrington, prompted a major emergency response by the emergency services in the woods near her home last month.
In addition, a public appeal for information was issued in the hope of finding the 29-year-old safely.
However, on the evening of June 16, it was tragically confirmed that rescue workers had found her body.
A first hearing on the inquiry was held in Warrington Coroner’s Court at St James’ Business Center on Wilderspool Causeway on Wednesday.
The court heard how Thea was found dead on a footpath on the Forrest Way near Warrington North Waste Treatment Works by a team from the Cheshire Search and Rescue Service at around 2.15pm.
A large police presence has been sighted in the Sankey Bridges area of Warrington
She was last seen around 1.30am that morning and her car was nearby, prompting a search of the woods. Cheshire Police were actively searching the Trans Pennine Trail with the support of drone teams.
Her identity has been confirmed by the police. The hearing confirmed that the police did not consider the death suspicious and that no autopsy was performed.
Cheshire Medical Examiner Victoria Davies said: “Given the unnatural element of the cause of death, I am satisfied that it is appropriate to formally open the inquest into Thea Newton’s death.”
The investigation was then adjourned to a case management hearing later that year. A full investigation is scheduled to take place on January 9 next year.
Inspector Daniel Richardson said in a statement in the morning: “We are increasingly concerned for her well-being and are currently searching for her.”
“If you are traveling on or around the Trans Pennine Way and see a woman who fits this description please contact us.
An inquest has been launched into the death of Thea Newton
“Her family and friends are very worried about her and just want her to be safe at home.
“I would also reach out to Thea directly, please let us know you are ok. We are all very concerned about you and want you to return to your family.”
Thea, who moved to Warrington from Clitheroe, will be commemorated with a memorial service in Blackburn next week.
Anyone wishing to pay tribute to her is asked not to send flowers, but instead make a donation to a fundraiser set up in her memory at justgiving.com/page/gillian-Newton-1687710966917
Money raised through the site will be sent to Lancashire Mind, whose aim is to raise mental health awareness and improve well-being in the county.
At the time of writing the fundraiser had raised in excess of £4,400 and it reads: “The much loved and adored daughter of David and Kim, the dearest partner of Mark, the loving sister of Joseph and Zander and dearly loved by all the family loved her many friends.
Wreaths of flowers adorn the entrance to Saxon Park, near where Thea’s car was discovered at Sankey Bridges in Warrington.
“Service and burial will be held at 12 noon on Thursday 6 July at St Helen’s Church, Waddington.
“To reflect Thea’s personality, she is asked to wear a colored garment. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Thea are appreciated for Mind. Taken too early.”
Wreaths of flowers were also left at the entrance to Saxon Park, near where Thea’s car was discovered in Sankey Bridges.
One of the tributes was left by Thea’s partner Mark and read: ‘My Thea, I still can’t believe this is true; we should plan the rest of our lives together.”
“You are my world, my princess, I love you more than you will ever know. Good night, God bless you – one day we will be together again.”
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