A young woman died on her 18th birthday when the car she was in crashed into a tree, a coroner has heard.

Abbie Devanney died on her special birthday on October 21 when the Ford Fiesta she was in lost control and collided with a tree off Brooms Lane in Consett, County Durham.

An inquest was opened into her death on Monday (October 30) at Crook Coroners Court by Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield.

It heard Abbie, a devoted Newcastle United fan from Consett, was a drivers’ side passenger in the blue car when it left the road. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Northern Echo: Floral tributes were left at the scene following the incident.Floral tributes were left at the scene following the incident. (Image: Gavin Havery)

A post-mortem is yet to conclude her cause of death, the inquest was told.

Abbie’s heartbroken family previously paid tribute to their “much-loved daughter, sister and granddaughter”.

A boy and two girls – all teenagers – who were in the car were all seriously injured.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident and later released under investigation. Durham Police confirmed enquiries are ongoing.

The inquest was adjourned while police carry out further investigations. A further hearing will take place next month.

The Northern Echo: The inquest was opened at Crook Coroners Court on Monday (October 30).The inquest was opened at Crook Coroners Court on Monday (October 30). (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Well-wishers have donated more than £7,500 in her memory. The money will be used to pay for her funeral and a memorial seat on the Derwent Walk.

The Go Fund Me page, which was set by sister Amy Devanney, said: “Our family would appreciate this support to help fund Abbie’s funeral and other memorials.

The Northern Echo: Abbie Devanney.Abbie Devanney. (Image: Contributor)

“We want this funeral to celebrate her life and be as unique as she was.

“She was so loved by many people.

“Let’s give her the send-off she deserves. We are hoping to place a bench on the Derwent Walk in her memory. Any donations will also go towards this.”

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Abbie’s former school St Bede’s in Lanchester previously described her as a “well-loved” member of the school community.

The school said: “Abbie had a depth of personality that few others of her age possess, with a real warmth at her centre. We’re devastated she is no longer with us.

“Students and staff alike admired Abbie for her confidence and tenacity - this strength of character within Abbie meant she was a fiercely loyal friend to others, able to form strong and trusting relationships.

"Abbie was a very independent young woman - strong-willed and free-spirited."

Police appealed for anyone with information, or dashcam footage of the vehicle before the collision, to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 475 of October 21.