A family has paid tribute to a "kind" Darlington mum who was wrongly declared dead by the North East Ambulance Service.
Police enquiries into the death of Olive Martin, 54, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on October 13 last year have been carried out and investigators have determined there will be no criminal charges.
The police investigation into the incident has been concluded and a file has been passed to the coroner.
The Care Quality Commission watchdog is also carrying out an investigation into the incident.
Last year, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed the woman had been pronounced dead by paramedics before waking up at Darlington Memorial Hospital, but later her death was confirmed.
At the time, NEAS had apologised for the "distress" to the family and said an inquiry was underway, whilst Durham Police said the actual death was "unexpected" and post-mortem tests would be carried out.
Emergency services were called after the family raised concerns for the 54-year-old who could not be contacted.
In a statement, released on Tuesday (September 10) her family said: “Our Mam will always be remembered for her kind heart, her infectious personality and her positivity day in and day out.
“She was our warrior, and she will be deeply missed by every person she has ever met. We would request privacy at this difficult time.”
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said, “Our thoughts are with the family, who continue to be supported by our specialist family liaison officers. A coroner’s inquest has been opened and will resume in due course.”
Andrew Hodge, Director of Paramedicine at North East Ambulance Service, previously said: "As soon as we were made aware of this incident, we opened an investigation and contacted the patient’s family.
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"We are deeply sorry for the distress that this has caused them. A full review of this incident is being undertaken and we are unable to comment any further at this stage.
"The colleagues involved are being supported appropriately."
Last year, a critical report was published into how NEAS ambulance workers had covered up failings and withheld evidence from inquests.
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