A HAMPSHIRE army major who died suddenly while seven months pregnant died of natural causes, an inquest heard today.

Major Lesley Boden, 33, was found dead at home in May after colleagues grew concerned when she failed to turn up to work at Marchwood Military Port.

Major Boden, of West Wellow, had been expecting her first child, a daughter, with fiance Major Richard Wade, who was due to return from duty in Cyprus just days after her death.

Daily Echo: Major Richard Wade and Major Lesley Boden.

But a post mortem revealed the cause was Sudden Unexpected Maternal Adult Death syndrome and she had no infections or underlying problems.

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri also ruled out any contributing issues from her pregnancy.

Coroner for Central Hampshire Grahame Short said it was a sad death made 'even harder' for her family with the loss of the baby.

Daily Echo: lesley boden 2.JPG

He added: "I'm totally satisfied this was due to natural causes.

"I cannot think how much of a shock this must have been for you and I hope this inquest has cast some light on the situation."

In a statement her family thanked friends and colleagues for their support.