AN INQUEST will open tomorrow into the death of a young woman who died after being found injured by a riverbank in Stroud.

Lucy Murrell, 20, from Rodborough, was taken to hospital on Friday evening but died later that night.

The circumstances of the death have been listed as a hanging by the Gloucester Coroner.

The target date for the full hearing is September 29.

Tributes have been paid to Lucy, a former pupil at Stroud High School.

In a joint statement, her parents Alex and Monika Murrell said: “A young woman has died, following a long illness in sudden and tragic circumstances.

“Lucy had suffered for nine years from anorexia nervosa, one of the most difficult of childhood illnesses for doctors to treat.

“Alongside many challenges to her health, Lucy was a devoted family member, friend and student.

“She gained first class A-levels at Stroud High School and a place at Medical College at the University of Keele.

“She was expecting to take up this place in September, and over this year she has been a volunteer with the Health Recovery Team in the Gloucester Homeless Shelter, alongside her part-time work.”

Head teacher Mark McShane, on behalf of Stroud High School, said Lucy was a student of great ability who was a delight to teach.

“Lucy spent two years at Stroud High School school, studying for her A-levels," he said.

“She had an impeccable record at school and was well liked by all members of our community.

“She made a very positive contribution through her work with the History Society and the Medical Society.

“She was a delight to teach and her hard work was rewarded with a place at Keele University to study medicine.

“She was a student of great ability and her unassuming nature, steely determination and modesty were hallmarks of a student we were certain was going to make a difference to the lives of others.

“It is with great sadness that we hear this news. Our thoughts are very much with her family at this difficult time.”