Singer's sudden death left family 'in limbo'

The devastated family of a promising Wolverhampton singer who died suddenly on New Year's Day, have been told no cause of death can be found. Mother-of-two Natalie Cooper was 32.

She collapsed in front of her daughters the morning after a New Year's Eve party at the Novotel in Wolverhampton with her partner Pete Gray. Despite the best efforts of medical staff at New Cross Hospital, she could not be revived.

A post mortem has been unable to explain her death. Her family said today they have been left in "limbo" while they wait for an inquest.

Mrs Cooper, a former student at Wednesfield High School, was in talks to take part in a Channel 5 documentary after winning the Pub Stars UK singing competition in Blackpool in November.

Her family today paid tribute to her "positive" nature and her talent as a singer, performer and "all-round people person."

Her partner Pete Gray, aged 32, who had known Natalie since they were both children, said: "We had a really great night at the hotel.

"She sang a few songs and we went to bed. We woke up the next day and she was talking to the children and she just had a fit and collapsed."

Natalie was also a keen actress, performing in a number of amateur dramatic shows.

She also helped out at both her daughters' schools and helped teach the choir at Wednesfield High School.

Her father John Cooper, aged 62, said: "We have just been left in limbo."

Two years ago Natalie sang at Molineux in front of 20,000 people and also wrote her own songs. Mother Norma Cooper, aged 60, added: "Natalie didn't really know how good she was."

Hundreds of people are expected to attend Natalie's funeral on Monday. The service will be held at St Thomas Church at 12 noon.

A party to celebrate her life will follow at the Royal British Legion in Vicarage Road.