The inquest into the death of well-known local woman Dru Hamm has been opened and adjourned.

Evidence showed the 38-year-old chartered accountant was killed crossing the road outside the Hop Garden pub at Mount Murray on November 4 and her body was identified by her brother, Martin Hamm, two days later.

However, the inquest was adjourned to allow police to conduct further inquiries.

It was confirmed police were continuing investigations into the circumstances of the incident which were complicated and might take some time to be concluded.

Coroner Michael Moyle also confirmed post mortem examinations had been conducted and had established the cause of death was spinal injuries.

The body has been released to the family to allow funeral arrangements to be finalised.

Mr Moyle said it was particularly sad when he had to deal with the death of a woman in the prime of her life and added he did not want to prolong the family's grief any longer than was necessary.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.