AN OXFORD journalist whose body was found in a field near Thame is believed to have died of hypothermia whilst meditating outside.

An inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court this morning heard how Daily Telegraph writer and artist Florence Waters had recently become interested in a form of meditation called Vision Quest.

It involves a spiritual journey of going out into the wilderness to meditate and find your inner self.

Ms Waters family described the 33-year-old as 'unaffectedly beautiful inside and out' and someone who touched the lives of so many.

In a statement the family paid tribute to their 'wonderful, amazing girl', it said: "She was talented in many ways, as a writer, journalist and artist, and she channeled her thoughtfulness into all her creations. 

"She had a great sense of humour, an infectious laugh, with a smile never far away.

"She was fearless and brave with the courage always to go her own way. She was excited to do this quest and set off to do it believing it would lead to a deeper creative life.

"We wish she had been less fearless."

Ms Waters was last seen at her home in East Street, Oxford, shortly after 9am on Monday, November 19.

READ MORE: Catherine Shaw, of Witney, also died during a meditation session, in Guatemala in March

The inquest heard how in the days leading up to this Ms Waters had been acting differently, and on one occasion laid for hours in her garden studio meditating and refusing to get up.

Various sightings and CCTV evidence showed Ms Waters caught the bus from Oxford Railway Station to Thame the same day she was last seen and walked through the high street, stopping to get out money and buy food.

She was subsequently seen in the following days in walking through a field close to where her body was eventually discovered.

Ms Waters body was found four days after she was last seen leaving her home, by volunteer search and rescue teams after a local farmer had found Ms Waters bag in a field nearby.

She was discovered shortly before 7:30pm on Thursday, November 22, in a ditch near Weavers Branch.

Post mortem results found there to be no alcohol or illicit substances evident and concluded the medical cause of death as hypothermia.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Telegraph journalist Florence Waters after body found in search 

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter recorded a narrative conclusion at today's inquest.

He said: “Florence Waters had a history of anxiety and depression but not suicidal ideation.

“There had been recent deterioration in her mental state and a change in behaviour. This includes an expressed desire to lay down and meditate outside.

“On November 19 she travelled to Thame town centre and on November 20 she was observed walking in fields near Weavers Branch, Thame.”

He continued: “On November 22 about 7:20pm she was discovered in a ditch that bordered the field at Weavers Branch, the same field she was seen walking through on November 21.

"The medical cause of death is hypothermia, there was no evidence of third party or suspicious circumstances.

“It is likely that she laid down in the ditch to meditate or sleep but died due to hypothermia.”

Mr Salter offered the family his condolences.

The family statement added: "We are still in complete shock at what happened – heartbroken to lose our precious daughter and sister. 

"So loved and so missed. She will always be with us.

"Finally we would like to thank everyone who helped with the search and attended to her subsequently."