What was Nicola Bulley’s cause of death?

NICOLA Bulley's disappearance sparked a frenzied search when she vanished in mysterious circumstances earlier this year.

But what do we know about her death? Here's everything you need to know.

Who was Nicola Bulley? 

Nicola Bulley, 45, was a mum-of-two who lived in Lancashire.

She went missing on a dog walk in St Michael's On Wyre on January 27, prompting a major search.

Her disappearance gripped the nation after it was revealed her mobile was found on a bench by the river still connected to a work call.

Tragically, her body was found in the river on February 19 - three weeks after she .

Her partner of 12 years was Paul Ansell.

Nicola left behind two young children, Harriet, 9, and Sophia, 6.

She also had a  who was discovered near the bench by the river.

What was Nicola Bulley's cause of death? 

Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour, who carried out a post mortem on Nicola, gave her cause of death as drowning.

The expert said she believed Nicola was alive when she entered the water.

She confirmed was no sign she had been assaulted before her death and no indication of third party involvement.

Dr Armour said the internal examination found “classic signs” of asphyxia.

This happens when the body is deprived of oxygen, but there was no sign of trauma to Nicola's neck.

The court was also told "flecks and fragments of dirt" were found inside Nicola's throat and water in and around her lungs - "typical features" seen in drowning.

Dr Armour confirmed Nicola had not been drinking before her death.

The court was told the water was just 4C when Nicola vanished, enough to lead to cold water shock.

Professional diving expert Professor Mike Tipton said she would have lost consciousness almost instantly.

He also suggested she would have drowned in "one or two breaths" due to her size and the temperature of the water.

Was Nicola Bulley's death an accident?

Nicola's death was ruled a tragic accident after she fell into cold water and drowned.

Senior coroner James Adeley recorded her death as accidental during an inquest.

Dr Adeley said it was likely that Nicola entered the water at 9.22am when her Fitbit recorded a significant spike in her heart rate.

He added that "there is an absence of any evidence" that Nicola intended to take her own life.

Dr Adeley also ruled out natural causes, adding: "The only remaining conclusion is accidental death and this is what is recorded."