An inquest has been opened into the death of Patricia Reynolds, a 94-year-old woman who passed away in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, after being bitten by a dog in Cornwall. The incident took place at an unnamed address, and Mrs. Reynolds received significant injuries from the dog bite. Police investigations are still ongoing.

Patricia Reynolds, originally from Battersea, London, and later living in Ashford, Surrey, was widowed and died on August 18, 2024, following a prolonged hospital stay. The inquest opened on March 5, 2025, at Exeter Coroner's Court, where Alison Longhorn, the area coroner for Devon, explained the circumstances surrounding her death.

'Patricia was involved in an incident at an address in Cornwall, where she received significant injuries potentially caused by a dog bite from a pet at the location. She was examined at the hospital and later transferred to Derriford Hospital for further treatment,' said Longhorn.

Despite being treated for her injuries, Patricia's health declined, and she sadly passed away at Derriford Hospital. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the incident in Cornwall.

The medical cause of death has been determined to be a lower respiratory tract infection, following a prolonged hospital stay after surgical treatment for the dog bite. She also had underlying conditions such as ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia.

The inquest has been adjourned, with a full hearing scheduled for a later date.