Dame Jenni Murray died after being dazzled by headlights and crashing car, inquest hears

Dame Jenni Murray died days after she was involved in a car crash which happened when she was dazzled by headlights, an inquest was told.

The broadcaster, 75, was best known as the voice of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and hosted the programme for three decades, becoming the longest-serving presenter in its history.

She died on 12 March this year after a collision in north London on 4 March, the inquest heard on Thursday.

North London area coroner Tony Murphy ruled Dame Jenni's cause of death was bronchopneumonia caused by fractures to her rib and sternum fractures sustained in the crash.

At the inquest at Barnet Coroner's Court, Mr Murphy read a statement from Dr Clare Morkane, a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital, where Dame Jenni died after being admitted.

Dr Morkane said: "Jennifer had been driving when she became dazzled by vehicle lights and collided with two stationary vehicles.

"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 around 7.44pm, the inquest heard.

It caused "multiple rib fractures", a fracture to the upper sternum and a collapsed lung.

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Dame Jenni was taken to hospital, placed on non-invasive ventilation and moved to intensive care but developed bronchopneumonia.

Dr Morkane said after a significant deterioration on 10 March, a decision was made to focus on palliative care.

"Jennifer died peacefully on 12 March 2026 at approximately 15.45 hours," she said.

The Metropolitan Police investigated the crash but closed its investigation with no further action.

After her death, former Labour deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman called Dame Jenni "the broadcasting wing of the women's movement".

In 2006 Dame Jenni announced on Woman's Hour that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and began raising awareness for the condition as vice-patron for Breast Cancer Now, a position she held for almost 20 years.

She was made a dame in 2011 in recognition of her contribution to broadcasting.

(c) Sky News 2026: Dame Jenni Murray died after being dazzled by headlights and crashing car, inquest hears