AN inquest has been opened into the death of an elderly man from Higher Whitley who is believed to have fallen from a ladder.

John Cameron Sugden, of Dark Lane, was found outside his home by a neighbour close to a ladder on Sunday, October 13.

The 76-year-old was taken to Leighton Hospital in Crewe, but sadly died two days later on Tuesday, October 15.

An inquest was formally opened at a hearing at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on Wednesday, October 30, by senior coroner, Jacqueline Devonish. 

Mrs Devonish heard a coroner's officer's report which stated Mr Sugden is believed to have suffered ‘an unwitnessed fall from a ladder’.

She said: “I am satisfied Mr Sugden’s death was unnatural, and therefore it is appropriate to open an inquest into the circumstances surrounding it.”

Ms Devonish suspended the inquest to allow time for investigation to take place, setting an evidence review date of December 29. 

The full inquest will take place at Cheshire Coroner's court on Thursday, February 13, 2025.