Dame Jilly Cooper died after suffering a head injury following a fall at her home.

The acclaimed author, who penned books including the best-selling Rivals, died unexpectedly aged 88 last month, with a statement released by her children Felix and Emily explaining they’d been left in ‘complete shock’.

‘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. 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.’

An inquest into Cooper’s death has now detailed what unfolded when she was found by her family at home in Gloucestershire on October 4.

Gloucestershire Coroners’ Court heard that Cooper had

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