AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a retired GP who died in a crash in the New Forest.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard Anne Baughan, also known as Annie, died at the scene of the collision, which happened on the A337 between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst on June 6.

Opening the inquest, senior coroner Grahame Short said the collision occurred at the southern entrance to New Park Manor, the home of the New Forest Show.

In a report to the coroner, pathologist Dr Eleanor Jaynes said she was still awaiting the results of toxicology and histology tests, so could not give a preliminary cause of death for the 61-year-old, of The Close, Sway.

Mr Short adjourned the inquest to November 12.

Mrs Baughan’s family said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Annie Baughan; beloved wife, mum, sister, auntie and a dear friend to so many.

“Annie was a huge part of community life in Sway and beyond.

“She practised as a GP in New Milton under her maiden name, Dr Rutherford, until her retirement last year. She is so loved and much missed.”

Mrs Baughan worked at the health centre in Spencer Road, New Milton, for 22 years before stepping down last year to spend more time with her husband Chris, who is chairman of Sway Cricket Club.

Police confirmed after the crash that she had been pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which involved a Skoda Fabia that she was driving and a lorry.

The driver of the lorry, a 53-year-old man from Gloucestershire, was uninjured.

The A337 was closed for several hours while police investigated the collision and the two vehicles were recovered. Northbound traffic was diverted along Balmer Lawn Road, part of the Brockenhurst to Beaulieu route.

Appealing for witnesses following the collision, Sgt Rebecca Hodge, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Joint Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are particularly keen to speak to the drivers of two vehicles who were directly behind the collision.”

Anyone with information or dash cam footage taken at the time, can call police on 101, quoting number 44190195019.