Dame Jilly Cooper’s cause of death has been revealed at an inquest following her death last month at the age of 88.
Last month, tributes poured in for the bonkbuster writer – who sold more than 11 million copies of her books in the UK alone – after her death was announced. Her children – Felix and Emily – shared a statement on October 6 confirming her death.
At the time, it was revealed that she passed away after suffering a fall. Now, more details about her cause of death have been shared.
Death of Dame Jilly Cooper announced
Dame Jilly Cooper died suddenly on October 5, it was sadly confirmed last month.
Dame Jilly’s children said in a statement: “Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.”
They added: “We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”
Tributes to the queen of the bonkbuster
Her agent Felicity Blunt also shared a tribute to the writer. She said: “The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing and conversation since she was first published over 50 years ago.
“Jilly will undoubtedly be best remembered for her chart-topping series The Rutshire Chronicles and its havoc-making and handsome show-jumping hero Rupert Campbell-Black.”
She added: “In her last few years Jilly added to her curriculum vitae by serving as an executive producer on the Happy Prince adaptation of her novel Rivals for Disney+. Her suggestions for story and dialogue inevitably layered and enriched scripts and her presence on set was a joy for cast and crew alike.”
Stars of the smash-hit TV series Rivals also shared tributes to Dame Jilly Cooper.
Emily Atack posted a picture of herself with the author and said: “Oh Jilly. I can’t believe I’m writing this. Almost 3 years ago you gave me Sarah Stratton, and my life changed forever. I’ll never forget the first time we met. Your warmth and kindness soared through me with that first hug, and then every hug since.
“To be taken into your world was the hugest honour and a once in a lifetime privilege. I cannot begin to explain how much we will miss you. Thank you for letting us into Jilly World, there really is no place like it.”
Meanwhile, Alexander Hassell, who has played the series’ lead role of Rupert Campbell-Black, posted a sweet image of himself kissing Jilly on the cheek. He wrote: “So sad to have lost our wonderful Jilly. So incredibly grateful to have gotten to know her. This magical woman changed my life.”
Dame Jilly Cooper’s cause of death announced at inquest
An inquest into Dame Jilly Cooper’s death took place earlier today (November 11).
The court heard that Dame Jilly was found by family at her house in Bisley, Gloucestershire at about 5pm on October 4. Dame Jilly was initially alert and was transferred by paramedics to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital but her condition deteriorated, Gloucestershire Coroners’ Court heard.
She died in hospital, with her family present, aged 88 at 8.30am on October 5. Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, reached a conclusion of accidental death and said Dame Jilly died as a result of a traumatic subdural haematoma.
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Her career – and The Rutshire Chronicles
Jilly started her career as a journalist on the Middlesex Independent from 1957 to 1959.
Her big break came when she was asked to write a feature about her experiences for the Sunday Times Magazine. This launched her into the spotlight and led to her own column where she wrote about marriage, sex and housework.
She published her first book, How To Stay Married, in 1969. This was followed by a guide, How to Survive From Nine To Five, in 1970. Racy bestseller Riders – the first novel in the Rutshire Chronicles – was published in 1985. Rivals followed in 1988.
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