BBC broadcaster Dame Jenni Murray died days after being involved in a car crash in which she was dazzled by headlights, an inquest was told.
Dame Jenni, who was the longest-serving presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, died aged 75 on 12 March, eight days after a collision in north London.
North London area coroner Tony Murphy ruled her cause of death was bronchopneumonia caused by fractures to her rib and sternum fractures sustained in the crash.
A statement from Dr Clare Morkane, a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital where Dame Jenni died after being admitted on 4 March, stated: “Jennifer had been driving when she became dazzled by vehicle lights and collided with two stationary vehicles.”
Dr Morkane added: “Following the collision, Jennifer was unable to recall events, exited the vehicle independently and she was conveyed to hospital.”
The crash took place near Hampstead Heath, at around 19:45 GMT, the inquest heard.
It resulted in “multiple rib fractures”, a fracture to the upper sternum and a collapsed lung.
The broadcaster was initially placed on non-invasive ventilation before being moved to intensive care, but she developed bronchopneumonia.
The Metropolitan Police investigated the crash but closed its investigation with no further action.