A woman who lost her life in a house explosion in Bristol succumbed to 'penetrating fragmentation blast injuries,' an inquest has determined. Jo Shaw, 35, perished in the blast that occurred at her residence on Sterncourt Road on May 3. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, also sustained fatal injuries in the incident.
Details of the Incident
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the explosion as deliberate, and Ms. Shaw's death has been recorded as a homicide. Three other individuals, including a child, suffered minor injuries following the early morning explosion. An inquest into her death was opened by Assistant Avon Coroner Debbie Rookes during a brief hearing at Avon Coroner's Court in Flax Bourton.
Coroner's Findings
Coroner's officer Abigail Carey informed the hearing that Ms. Shaw was pronounced dead at her home by paramedics at 7 a.m. 'A short form post-mortem report from Dr. Russell Delaney gives a proposed cause of death as penetrating fragmentation blast injury to the chest and pelvis,' she stated. The court heard that Ms. Shaw, who was single and worked as a personal assistant, was formally identified by her family.
Ms. Rookes formally adjourned proceedings and requested further reports from a general practitioner, the police, ambulance service, and pathologist. She also requested additional background information from Ms. Shaw's family, who were not present at the hearing. The coroner adjourned the hearing for August 11, 2026, at Avon Coroner's Court.
Family Tribute
Ms. Shaw's family paid tribute, stating that she 'brought warmth, kindness, and strength into the lives of countless people.' They added: 'Her loving presence will be missed more than words can ever express, but her memory will forever remain in our hearts. Her child has suffered the unimaginable loss of their mummy in this tragedy. Joanne's love for her child was boundless and the centre of her world. She was a devoted and loving mother.'
'She will always be remembered not for the violence inflicted upon her, but for her bravery, her protective instinct, and the ultimate sacrifice she made for others.' Ms. Shaw, known as Jo, grew up in the Stapleton area of Bristol, where her family said she was well-known for her 'bubbly, friendly personality.' They said she loved meeting new people, listening to their stories, sharing advice, and forming connections resulting in 'eternal friendships.' She was the 'life and soul not only of the party, but our lives,' they added.
Police Account
Police previously said a call was received from a person inside the house at 6:17 a.m. reporting a domestic-related incident, stating that a man they knew had forced entry to the house. The caller remained on the line while officers were dispatched, and at 6:30 a.m. the caller told police the man was believed to have an explosive device. About two minutes later, an explosion occurred at the property, resulting in the deaths of Ms. Shaw and her former partner. Residents were evacuated from neighbouring properties as a precaution, and searches were carried out by the Army to ensure the area was safe.
