A PENSIONER who fell whilst cutting a tree at his address in Colchester later died from respiratory failure, a coroner has ruled.

On Monday, area coroner for Essex, Michelle Brown, oversaw an inquest in order to finalise a cause of death for Melville Black, who was 70. 

The court heard how Mr Black fell from a platform when cutting a tree at his address in Stalin Road last year, but didn’t seek medical attention afterwards.

Just over a week later, on April 15, Mr Black was suffering from shortness of breath and attended A&E at Colchester Hospital where he was ventilated.

Professionals said the symptoms were being caused by blunt chest trauma resulting from his fall.

Over the following weeks, Mr Black was ventilated before being transferred to Broomfield intensive care unit and then back to Colchester Hospital at the beginning of May.

His condition deteriorated further when he contracted pneumonia.

Ms Brown concluded Mr Black died in hospital at 2.21pm on May 8 from respiratory failure, pneumonia, and blunt chest trauma.

Ms Brown told the court: “I have a life letter from the family, and they know this is taking place today.

“This death is one of accident.”