AN ELDERLY driver died of multiple injuries in a single-vehicle car crash, an inquest heard.

Zoe Eleanor Maclennan, 90, died in the crash on October 23 on the eastbound exit slip road of the A31 and junction 1 of the M27 at Cadnam. Her car struck a tree.

The inquest heard that Ms Maclennan, of Ashley Heath Drive, Ashley Heath, was initially identified from a Police National Computer check on her blue Honda Jazz and by her driving licence and bus photo card.

Consultant pathologist Dr Adrian Bateman conducted a post-mortem in the mortuary of Southampton General Hospital and in a preliminary report to the coroner said the cause of death was multiple injuries.

Acting area coroner Sam Marsh adjourned the inquest until May 12 2020.

After the crash last month relatives paid tribute to the recently-widowed pensioner.

In a statement issued through Hampshire police her family said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by her sudden passing, not long after the bereavement of losing her husband.

“Zoe will be greatly missed by her son and daughter, granddaughters and all those who loved her.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hampshire emergency services for all their efforts after arriving promptly at the scene.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting reference number 44190379830.