Dame Jilly Cooper's cause of death revealed at inquest following her death aged 88
The writer died suddenly following a fall at her home
Dame Jilly Cooper, author of the best-selling book which was televised in smash-hit TV drama Rivals last year, died suddenly last month aged 88. Now, her cause of death has been shared at an inquest held in Gloucestershire.
Tributes poured in for the bonkbuster writer after the news of her death was shared by her children – Felix and Emily – in early October. Dame Jilly sold more than 11 million copies of her books in the UK alone.
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
Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper died suddenly on October 5.
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.
“I have lost a friend, an ally, a confidante and a mentor. But I know she will live forever in the words she put on the page and on the screen.”
Dame Jilly Cooper’s cause of death revealed
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. She 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.
Her career – and The Rutshire Chronicles
Jilly started her career as a journalist. She worked on the Middlesex Independent from 1957 to 1959. Her big break came when she was asked to write a feature about the experience 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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