Former England cricketer's daughter dies at 21 as heartbroken dad unable to see her one last time

Bethan Amy James's inquest is set to look into how the 21-year-old woman came about her death and any delays in her treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

An inquest is set to probe possible hold-ups in the hospital transfer and admission of a young woman who it is believed died of sepsis.

Bethan Amy James died within 48 hours of her admission to hospital. Her dad, former England cricketer turned esteemed sports journalist Steve James, was unable to get home and see his 21-year-old daughter before she died. He was in Ireland covering a Six Nations' game at the time and Steve's journey home was hindered due to the weather.

Today, a pre-inquest review hearing in Pontypridd, south Wales was told the medical cause of Bethan's death is likely sepsis. Now, an inquest, presided over by area coroner Patricia Morgan, will look into how Bethan came about her death. This will include her medical history, her care and treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board between January 27 and February 9, 2020, and her transfer from home to hospital on February 8.

After Bethan died on February 9, Steve paid tribute to her on Facebook. The former Glamorgan cricketer wrote: "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."

The inquest will also scrutinise potential delays related to her admission - firstly regarding her transfer to hospital via ambulance and secondly her admission into the hospital, Wales Online reports. During the pre-inquest review, the coroner discussed the necessary evidence and witnesses with representatives of Bethan's family, CAVUHB and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. Potential dates for the conclusion of the inquest were discussed, ranging from early to mid-2025, but no specific date was confirmed.

In a poignant admission from 2022, Steve confessed: "When I left, I didn't actually go up and see Bethan, I shouted to her and said 'goodbye' from downstairs. The next time I see her she's lying dead in a hospital. That's something that's going to stay with me for the rest of my life."

Bethan was studying at the University of South Wales when she suddenly fell ill. Since retiring from cricket, Steve became a sports journalist and now frequently covers rugby and other sports.