Tribute to Swaffham funeral home death victim Sally Blundell

Sally Blundell died at the East of England Co-op Funeral Services branch in Swaffham following the incident, understood to have involved a hoist used for lifting.

An inquest into her death opened on Thursday, during which details of the medical cause of her death were given.

Following the hearing, her colleagues at East of England Co-op led tributes to Mrs Blundell, whose occupation was given to the court as "funeral administrator".

During her career at the organisation, which spanned almost a decade, she also ran a branch in Attleborough.

A spokesman for East of England Co-op said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague and friend Sally Blundell.

"Sally worked for our Co-op for over eight years and her care and experience will be truly missed by those in and around Swaffham, as well as her colleagues.

"First and foremost in our mind are Sally's family and friends - we offer them our deepest condolences."

The incident happened on December 1 and saw the branch in Market Place closed for several days. 

Investigations into the circumstances, described by Co-op as a "tragic accident", have continued, with health and safety officers at Breckland Council having launched a probe.

During the short hearing at County Hall, details provided to the court by her daughter, Lucy Blundell, were read out senior coroner for Norfolk Jacqueline Lake.

These confirmed Mrs Blundell was born in Norwich and lived in The Street, Great Cressingham, near Watton.

Her medical cause was given by pathologist Laszlo Igali as "contusion and compression of the chest by an external object".

Mrs Lake adjourned until a further hearing, which is due to be held on Friday, April 5. 

A Breckland Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the incident and are currently carrying out a health and safety investigation.

"As this is ongoing we are unable to comment further at this time."