The sister-in-law of a prominent Elstree estate agent died suddenly and unexpectedly at home while her husband recovered in hospital from major surgery, an inquest has heard.

Rayna Allsuch passed away “peacefully” in her sleep after suffering sudden heart failure while she slept at her home in Beehive Close, Elstree.

Hatfield Coroner’s Court heard today how a worried relative called to the house and saw the 47-year-old lying unconscious in her bed on July 27.

Police forced open the door but she was pronounced dead by paramedics almost immediately.

Hertfordshire Coroner Edward Thomas said today there was nothing the emergency services could have done to save Mrs Allsuch, who had been dead for some time.

A non-invasive post-mortem found she had died of heart failure, and pathologist Ian Roberts told the court it was likely she was sleeping at the time.

Mrs Allsuch was the wife of local sales negotiator Ian, a brother of Barry Allsuch, who owns a chain of self-titled estate agencies in Elstree, Radlett and Edgware.

Recording a natural cause of death at the inquest, attended by members of Mrs Allsuch’s family, Mr Thomas said: “When she was found she was very peaceful – she died peacefully.

“It must have been so sad for all of you when you found her. It was so sudden and unexpected and nothing I can say can make that pain any better for you.”