Nicola Bulley's family believes her death was an 'accident'

Sophie Cartwright KC, the lawyer representing Ms Bulley’s family, said in final submissions to the coroner that the evidence clearly pointed to her going into the River Wyre accidentally and her drowning quickly in the cold water on January 27.

Sophie Cartwright KC said: “What happened on the river bank shortly after 9.18am was a tragic accident.”

Ms Cartwright added: “There has been much rumour and suspicion and speculation around Nikki’s death but the family are very clearly of the view and submit to you that that rumour and speculation is allayed completely when looking at all the evidence.”

On the first day of the inquest, June 26, Nicola Bulley’s cause of death was revealed as drowning with the coroner revealing she was alive when she entered the water (Image: Family Handout/PA Picture Desk)

She added the family believe “Nikki’s death would have occurred very shortly after she entered the water”.

Ms Cartwright cited the evidence given on Monday from drowning experts who said the shock of a person going into very cold water can result in drowning in a matter of seconds.

Nicola Bulley’s family gave emotional tributes at the inquest

Nicola Bulley’s partner, sister and parents attended the inquest and shared tributes.

Ms Cunningham described Nicola Bulley as “my big sister” and said after raising her daughters she was enjoying restarting her career as a mortgage adviser while juggling her work and home life as a busy mother.

Breaking down in tears, Nicola Bulley’s partner Paul Ansell said: “She was an incredible mum.”

Ernest Bulley, her father, added: “As a child she was lovely, a little ballerina, she always danced around in her tutu. She was great.

“She was a great daughter, sister and mother, we couldn’t ask for any more from her.”

Nicola Bulley’s cause of death revealed on first day of inquest

Nicola Bulley, 45, went missing on January 27 during a dog walk and her body was found in the River Wyre near to where she was walking on February 19.

On Monday, June 26, the first day of the inquest, Nicola Bulley’s cause of death was revealed as drowning with the coroner revealing she was alive when she entered the water.

The inquest has also revealed that there was no third-party involvement and that Nicola Bulley had no consumed alcohol in her body.

Nicola Bulley was identified by her dental records after her body was found in the River Wyre on February 19, 2023.

The coroner is expected to give his findings shortly after 2pm on Tuesday.