AN AUSTRALIAN tourist died while visiting family in Eastleigh, an inquest heard.

Roger McDonald, of Hamilton, Queensland, Australia, arrived in Eastleigh in September to spend three weeks with nephew Christopher Cheal and family.

But on September 12 he fell down the stairs at Mr Cheal’s home in Launceston Drive, Eastleigh, and sustained serious head injuries.

Mr Cheal said: “I didn’t hear him falling but I heard a big crash and it was obvious what had happened. He was unconscious at the bottom of the stairs, bleeding and his breathing was raspy.”

He went into a coma and was taken to Southampton General Hospital but his condition deteriorated and he died on September 30.

Deputy Coroner for Central Hampshire Simon Burge recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Cheal added: “He was a brilliant guy and he came over here to be there for the birth of my daughter. He was loved by all his family and it’s so sad how this trip ended.”