A MUCH-LOVED mother-of-two killed herself at her own Christmas party, an inquest heard.

Lucy Hosker was found hanged at her home in Redlam, Blackburn, in the early hours of December 23.

Miss Hosker, who friends described as a woman with a ‘big smile and infectious laugh’, had hosted an impromptu get-together with friends at her home on the evening of December 22.

But the 32-year-old was found dead by friends at 5am.

A post-mortem examination revealed that while she had both cocaine and alcohol in her system, neither of them were in ‘excessive amounts’.

Coroner Richard Taylor said: “On the night there was an impromptu party at her house.

“A number of people began to gather and before long there were several people in the home.

“It wasn’t a planned party – some arrived and there was wrapping of Christmas presents. Later, more came over and most of the party was held in the kitchen.”

In evidence gathered by police, witnesses said Miss Hosker had been in good spirits all evening until around 5am when she started to act ‘strangely’.

Mr Taylor added: “At around 5am she told her guests she was going to bed but a short time later she was found hanging from the banister.”

The inquest heard that paramedics were called but Miss Hosker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mark Saunders, the detective inspector who was on duty that night, said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

He added: “We believe there was some drink and drugs involved but never any indication that suggested something like this would happen.”

When asked about her death, Det Insp Saunders said ‘the drink and drugs may potentially have had an influence’.

A post-mortem examination confirmed traces of both cocaine and alcohol were found in Miss Hosker’s system, though Mr Taylor pointed out that neither were in large quantities.

Tributes described Miss Hosker as a much-loved mum, loving daughter and sister and a well-loved aunt, cousin and friend of many.

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Friends have also paid tribute on social media, with one saying: “Saying goodbye to you today Lucy Hosker was the hardest thing ever. I can’t believe we will never see your big smile, or hear that infectious laugh again.

“No more jokes played by you or getting you to do the stuff we wouldn’t.

“I just wish you could have known how much you were loved and are going to be missed.

“You’ll forever be in our hearts and we will make sure your memory lives on.”

In April a senior coroner issued a stark warning about the dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol following the death of Love Island star Sophie Gradon.

The coroner said research in the US suggested the combination made people 16 times more likely to kill themselves.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Mr Taylor said: “On balance I find that this was intentional. Lucy Hosker was found dead in her home on Redlam on December 22 having suspended herself.”