Eleanor Barnfield, 47, died in hospital after her car collided with a wall on Coity Road in Bridgend on Monday afternoon.
In a statement, South Wales Police said she had sustained “puncture wounds unrelated to the collision”.
A 61-year-old man from Bridgend has been arrested on suspicion of murder following an investigation around Ger-y-Nant, a housing complex managed by the Valleys to Coast housing association where Ms Barnfield worked.
Ms Barnfield’s family paid tribute to “the kindest, most loving, bravest person in the world”.
They added: “She meant everything to us and will be forever loved and missed deeply by her devoted family and friends. She was our rock.”
South Wales Police Chief Superintendent Jason Rees urged people not to speculate online about the circumstances of Ms Barnfield’s death.
He said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Eleanor’s family.
“I want to assure the community that teams of detectives and specialist staff are investigating.
“We appreciate the patience and support of residents, especially those displaced following the incident.
“Local communities may notice an increased police presence as our investigation continues.”
Meanwhile, Welsh Ambulance Service said it was aware of “contradictory and misleading rumours regarding a delayed ambulance response”, but insisted these were “factually untrue”.
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Valleys to Coast housing association chief executive Jo Oak said the organisation was “devastated by the tragic death of our colleague”.
Ms Oak added: “Eleanor was a much-valued member of the Valleys to Coast team, and her loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and worked alongside her.
“She made an important contribution to our organisation and to the communities we serve, and she will be remembered with great warmth and affection by her colleagues.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Eleanor’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.
“We are doing everything we can to support those affected by her loss.”
Police have asked anyone with relevant information to contact them.
