For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support READ MORE: Mother 'beaten to death by man before he took his own life'See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:08 BST, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 12:20 BST, 2 July 2026
A mother-of-two said to have been beaten to death by her partner in a vicious hammer attack in front of her children died of 'severe traumatic head injuries', an inquest was told today.Zoe Marie Dixon, 35, died at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff after she was attacked at her semi-detached family home in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, on June 15.She was allegedly bludgeoned shortly before midnight by her partner Nathan Thomas, 39, before he fled the scene and took his own life at Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons four hours later, police believe.After the couple's two children, aged 16 and 10, raised the alarm about the attack, Ms Dixon was rushed to hospital with 'severe traumatic head injuries'.But 'despite best care', the 35-year-old 'deteriorated and passed away' from her injuries on June 22, leaving her children orphaned.An inquest into Ms Dixon's death at Pontypridd Coroner's Court opened on July 2 after it was believed to be 'both traumatic and unnatural', assistant coroner Rachel Knight said. A post mortem led by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter gave a provisional cause of death as a blunt head injury including a skull fracture and brain bleed, the inquest heard.The coroner said: 'Based on the evidence I have heard, I'm satisfied that it is necessary to open an inquest into the death of Zoe Marie Dixon. Zoe Marie Dixon was 'beaten to death by her partner' in a vicious hammer attack, an inquest was told The mother-of-two (pictured) was fatally wounded when bludgeoned in front of her children Ms Dixon succumbed to her head injuries six days after the attack on June 22, leaving both her children orphaned'There is reason to believe that the death was both traumatic and unnatural.'I want to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family of Zoe Dixon at this difficult time.'A spokesman for South Wales Police said previously: 'The investigation into the serious assault of a 35-year-old woman in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, continues and is now being treated as a homicide by South Wales Police.'Shortly before midnight on Monday June 15, emergency services were called to an address in Rocky Road whereby a 35-year-old woman was conveyed to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for treatment following an assault.'Subsequently in the early hours of Tuesday June 16, a 39-year-old man was found deceased at Pontsticill Reservoir in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.'On Monday June 22, it was confirmed that despite the best efforts of medical staff the female has sadly passed away.'Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.'A fundraising page set up in the wake of Ms Dixon's death described her as a 'beautiful, lovely' woman whose life was taken 'at the hands of someone else'.It read: 'This awful and sudden turn of events has resulted in Zoe's two children, mother and brother losing a massive part of their close-knit family.'Zoe was the most straight-talking, funniest, strongest woman but more than anything else was an amazing mother who did everything for her children.'A full inquest date has yet to be arranged. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
