The family of a woman killed while reportedly leaning out of a train window have paid tribute to her.

Bethan Roper, 28, died on the Bristol Temple Meads-bound service on December 1 while returning from a Christmas shopping trip with friends.

On Wednesday her father, Adrian Roper, 63, released a statement describing his daughter as being “beautiful in every way”.

Mr Roper said: “She worked in Cardiff for the Wales Refugee Council, Sobey’s Vintage Clothes Shop, the Coproduction Network for Wales, and Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative.

“She chaired the Cardiff branch of the Socialist Party of Great Britain, and was a Unite union convener.

“Bethan had a big close network of friends with whom she loved to go to music festivals and clubs or just spend time with, talking and laughing.

“She also travelled the world for six months with her soul-mate, Lizzy, making more friends from around the world. They also went cage-diving with sharks in South Africa several times together.

“She was an avid reader, podcast listener and film watcher, with a deep insight into the world around her.

“She enjoyed life to the full whilst working tirelessly for a better world. She was also a much loved sister, daughter, grand-daughter and niece.

Bethan Roper
Bethan Roper died from serious head injuries suffered on a train between Bath and Keynsham (Cardiff School of Journalism/PA)

“All of us who knew Bethan have been very privileged. She was beautiful in every way. Our pain couldn’t be sharper or more justified, but I know that her goodness and fullness of spirit will live on in our hearts and actions.”

Miss Roper, from Penarth, South Wales, was pronounced dead at Bristol Temple Meads station after 10.10pm on Saturday December 1.

She was returning to Penarth after spending the day at Bath’s Christmas Market when she suffered a fatal blow to her head.

British Transport Police said initial inquiries suggested Miss Roper may have been leaning out of a carriage window at the time.

An inquest is expected to open next week.