An inquest has opened into the death of a popular sportswoman and PE teacher from Bovey Tracey.

Kelly Luscombe, known to many friends as Lusky, was captain of Bovey Tracey Cricket Club women’s XI and a PE teacher at Plymouth High School for Girls.

The 39-year-old passed away at Torbay Hospital on February 26.

The inquest heard that Kelly was found at her home in Bovey Tracey on February 23. She was taken to Torbay Hospital and was admitted to the intensive care unit but sadly died three days later.

The cause of death was given as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, cardiac arrest and asphyxiation.

The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to take place at a later date.

Tributes have been paid to the popular sportswoman. Bovey Tracey Cricket Club flew their flag at half mast as a mark of respect. Kelly was loved and admired by everyone who knew her, the club said. ‘She was like a breath of fresh air, inspiring and encouraging so many women and girls to play cricket. We will all miss her desperately.’

Kelly previously captained Exeter Hockey Club’s ladies team and although she had officially ‘retired’ from the game, she remained in touch with the club and occasionally played in games for the u35 team.

Exeter Hockey club remembered Kelly as ‘a brilliant player with exceptional skill’.

‘Her presence on the pitch was matched only by her warmth and kindness off it. She had a way of bringing people together with a big smile and her signature ‘alright mate’ greeting,’ an Exeter Hockey Club spokesperson said.

Kelly also occasionally played summer league hockey for Devonport Hockey Club who described her as ‘a nightmare to play against but an absolute privilege to know’.