QUESTIONS still remain over the death of a French woman after her body was found in Studland in 2018.

Gilberte Andree Elisabeth Princemin, 65, was found deceased on South Beach in Studland on December 16, 2018 having last been seen on the coast near her home town of Caouennec-Lanvezeac.

After formally being identified earlier this year, the inquest into the cause of her death was held at Bournemouth Town Hall on Monday.

The inquest heard that Mrs Princemin was an active person, married to Gilbert Princemin who both enjoyed cycling and hiking.

She suffered from cruralgia and was struggling to sleep because of the pain, she was prescribed antidepressants five days before her disappearance.

Giving evidence, detective sergeant Rhys Griffiths said Mr Princemin returned home from a cycle on November 11 when he found a hand-written note.

It said: “Sorry hunny, I am in too much pain, I feel very bad in my body. I won’t get over this with this medication that will make me crazy, I don’t want to be a burden.

“Please take care of yourself, I love you. The sea is going to take me. I am leaving Caouennec.”

Mrs Princemin was then seen on a coastal path by her nephew who said she was “relaxed” and everything seemed normal.

Her husband reported her missing and searches were carried out by helicopter and divers.

However, a member of the public found a body in Studland on December 16.

Because of the decomposed state of the body, forensic pathologist for the home office, Dr Basil Purdue could not record a medical cause of death.

Although unlikely, Dr Purdue could not rule out a medical incident or a life injury being contributory to the death.

Dorset Police confirmed the identification after DNA from Mrs Princemin’s teeth was “extremely likely” to match that found on her toothbrush.

Assistant coroner for Dorset, Brendan Allen, recorded an open conclusion. He said: “Dr Purdue did explain the level of decomposition was consistent of Mrs Princemin being in the water from November 11 until December 16.

“In recording a positive conclusion to explain how she died I am in some difficulty.

“A note was left. Contrasting to that, when she was last seen she was described as relaxed and no different to normal.

“She might have suffered an accident or a medical event that caused her to end up in the water. I will record an open conclusion.”