The cause of death of a woman whose death sparked a murder investigation is still being investigated, the opening of an inquest has heard.
34-year-old Natalie Dean's body was found in the River Severn near Llanidloes by police dog handlers almost 17 hours after she was reported missing on Saturday, May 27, while on a camping trip with her partner.
Six weeks since Natalie's body was found, Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard today (Monday, July 3) that investigations are continuing into how she died.
The hearing was told that the 34-year-old, who lived in Ford, Shropshire, and her partner planned to camp overnight in a field in Llanidloes near to the river on Saturday, May 27.
A police search started after Natalie was reported missing at around 11.30pm that evening.
Sadly, her body was found in the river by dog handlers at around 4pm the following day on Sunday, May 28.
The coroner was told Natalie, who was born in Stoke on Trent, was identified by her fingerprint records, and a postmortem examination was carried out by Dr Williams at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on Monday, May 29.
The pathologist gave a provisional cause into Natalie's death as "pending further investigation".
The coroner opened the inquest on Monday, July 3, then adjourned it to allow further investigations to take place.
READ MORE: 'Enquiries ongoing' into River Severn murder probe in Powys
Dyfed-Powys Police launched a murder investigation two days after the discovery of Natalie's body in the River Severn.
A 46-year-old man who was arrested on the day Natalie’s body was found has since been released on bail while police continue their murder investigation - Operation Wenlock - which had a dedication website for people to share any information.
Officers were keen to speak to anyone who might have seen, or has dashcam footage of, a man and a woman in Llanidloes, or on the A470 between Llanidloes and Dolwen, on the Saturday or Sunday.
Natalie’s family said in a statement they were "distraught" by the loss of their daughter and sister who will be "missed by us all".
"We would like to thank everyone for their support at this horrific time. It has meant a lot to the whole family.
"We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.
"As a family, we encourage members of the public to support the police and contact if you have any information of relevance."
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