A young woman who was killed during a visit to her father in the US died after being shot in a suspected homicide, according to her post-mortem report.
Lucy Harrison, 23, was in Prosper, Texas, when she was shot in the chest from “medium range” on January 10, and died in hospital later that day.
An inquest into her tragic death was opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, February 12.
A written report following the hearing read: “Ms Harrison was on holiday in the USA when she has been fatally shot with a firearm.”
Paying tribute to her, Lucy’s mum and boyfriend described her as “thriving in life” and as someone who had a “huge capacity to love”.
A post-mortem report from Chester Gwin, assistant medical examiner for Collin Country, confirmed she died from a single gunshot wound, reported to have been fired by another person, The Liverpool Echo reports.
It also revealed she tested negative for alcohol and drugs, and was pronounced dead at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Centre in Texas shortly before 4pm on January 10.
In the family’s tribute released by Cheshire Police, Lucy’s mum and boyfriend said: “Lucy was life. She lived it fiercely and fearlessly, not being afraid to feel all that life has to offer. Lucy unashamedly loved – she had a huge capacity to love and be loved.
“She was the embodiment of wonderful contradictions; she adored travel and being away, experiencing new places and cultures, yet at the same time, she loved nothing more than snuggling up in her pyjamas with her candles on at home.
“She could be dramatic and elaborate situations like it was the end of the world, yet she could also be straight talking and not afraid to have bold conversations. She was truly thriving in life and although this gives us great comfort, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful, gorgeous Luce.”
Lucy is understood to have worked for fashion giant Boohoo. Her funeral is to be held in Warrington on Monday, February 24. Her family have asked for donations to be made to local charity Peace and Mind UK, which was set up by the mother of Brianna Ghey.