Students and staff at the University of Exeter have been left broken-hearted after the unexpected passing of a lecturer, colleague and friend, Dr Claire Dinan.
An inquest was recently opened at Plymouth Coroner's court into the death of 53-year-old Dr Dinan by assistant coroner Philip Spinney. At the brief hearing, held on April 14, he noted how Claire was born in Plymouth and resided in Dawlish.
He went on to note at the public hearing how Claire had passed away at a property in Teignmouth in Devon on April 6 this year at 3.50pm.
He noted that at the time of her death she was married and a university lecturer, reports Devon Live.
In the opening statement, released by the coroner's court following the hearing, the circumstances of her death was noted, stating that "Claire went to stay with her mother for the evening after a period of feeling unwell.
"She went upstairs in her parents house where she was staying. After a period of time Claire's mother went to see her to provide her with some food and sadly found her on the stairs where she was found to have passed away."
Mr Spinney made clear that there were no suspicious circumstances and on the present evidence the medical cause of death had not been ascertained and a toxicology report was awaited.
Mr Spinney adjourned the hearing and a full inquest will now be held at a later date.
Tributes have been paid to Dr Dinan by the University of Exeter Business School where she lectured and a book of condolence had been opened on the university's website.
In a statement, the university wrote: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to share with you the tragic news that our colleague Claire Dinan has passed away aged 53.
"Claire was a highly skilled researcher and educator who started working at the University of Exeter in 2003. Her work on sustainable tourism influenced national policy, and as Director of the MSc Management programme she was instrumental in helping students to make meaningful career transitions.
"Claire is survived by her husband Frank and two children. The University of Exeter Business School has written to Claire’s husband to offer condolences and express our sadness at having lost a valued member of our academic family."
A large number of students and colleagues, both past and present have also offered their own moving and heartfelt words of tribute on the site following Dr Dinan's passing.
Prof. Alexandra Gerbasi, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the University of Exeter Business School added: "Claire, We'll miss your energy and commitment to creating positive change for students, the School and the broader community. Your enthusiasm was contagious."
Alex Bolton, of the University of Exeter Business School, wrote: "Sending deepest condolences to Frank and family. I had the pleasure of working with Claire for many years in the Business School - she was always a source of inspiration and creativity who cared deeply about her students. A very special lady who will be sadly missed."
Professor Gail Whiteman, University of Exeter Business School said: "Claire was an inspirational force on the sustainability agenda of the business school. Her loss will be felt greatly."
Former student, Jai Prateek, wrote: "Dr Claire Dinan will be one of the best teachers I ever had. She single-handedly restored my faith in the teaching community by the virtue of being warm, compassionate, empathetic & caring. She was the guiding light to the cohort & managed to give a lesson even in her unfortunate demise: 'Don't take things for granted & appreciate yourself and the people around you for who they are.' You will always be in our hearts mam!"
