00:00The first details have been heard at the inquest into the death of Heaven David, the Labour Senate member for Kefili.
00:08The Gwent Coroner's Court in Newport, Area Coroner Rose Farmer formally opened proceedings this week.
00:13The court was told Mr David was found hanging at his home in Nelson on August 12th, the day before his 48th birthday.
00:20Police were called to a medical emergency at around 6.55 in the evening, and paramedics confirmed his death just after 7.25.
00:27The post-mortem has been carried out, but the course of death is still awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
00:34His identity was formally confirmed in court by his sister, and the inquest has now been adjourned until April 7th next year, when a full hearing will examine the circumstances surrounding his death.
00:45Mr David had represented Kefili since 2016 in the Senate, known for his work on education and additional learning needs.
00:51He was also a prominent advocate for autistic people, drawing on his own family experience.
00:57In the weeks following his death, tributes poured in from across political and public life.
01:01First Minister Elinid Morgan described him as warm and enthusiastic, while Prime Minister Sikir Starmer called him a powerful voice for Wales.
01:09Former Conservative leader Anjawati Davies described his death as heartbreaking and tragic, with Plaid Cymru's Deleth Jor, saying he was loyal to his roots and represented the area diligently.
01:19Beyond politics, the National Autistic Society Cymru hailed him as a true champion for autistic people, and Gwent Police praised his service to the community.
01:30He survived by his partner, fellow Senate member Vicky Howells, and by his children.
01:34The inquest will now gather evidence ahead of April, when the full circumstances of his death will be examined in court.
01:40James Beach Watkins, reporting for Local TV.
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