An inquest into the death of Hefin David, 47, has opened in Newport, with some information on how and when he was found. The inquest has been adjourned until April next year, when the full details will be examined in court.
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.
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