Daughter of ex-England cricket star, 21, dies in hospital with heartbroken dad left unable to travel home
THE daughter of an ex-England cricket star died in hospital with her heartbroken dad left unable to travel home.
Bethan Amy James passed away aged 21 on February 9 in 2020 just 48 hours after being taken to hospital.
Former cricketer Glamorgan Steve James’ daughter is believed to have contracted sepsis.
Now an inquest will probe her care and treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Mr James, who played twice for England but now works for The Times, told friends he was “devastated” at her sudden loss while he was covering the Six Nations.
He was unable to get home and see her before she died as a result of weather problems.
In a heartfelt tribute at the time, Mr James and his wife Jane wrote on Twitter: “We have the most indescribably devastating news that our beautiful daughter Bethan suddenly passed away on Saturday evening.
“Our hearts are broken. She was the most wonderfully caring and kind daughter and sister to Rhys.”
A pre-inquest review hearing in Pontypridd, south Wales, yesterday was told the medical cause of her death is likely sepsis.
Bethan lived in Cardiff while she studied at university and had been suffering with Crohn’s disease.
She had been unwell, but her loved ones were unaware she could have contracted sepsis.
Bethan had been fighting illness since she was three with problems with her heart as well as undergoing a bowel operation.
She was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2019 but had vowed to fight the disease and raise awareness to help others.
In a blog post before a family holiday to Centre Parcs, she told followers: “I can’t tell you how excited I am for 2020!!!
“I have a feeling it’s going to be the craziest year of my life and hopefully my best too!!
“Can’t wait to get started, going to be starting the year off in an extremely good place with the best people around me.”