AN 81-YEAR-old man died in hospital after fell and was found at the bottom of the stairs, an inquest opening has been told.

Richard Joseph Henry Jourdan suffered a fall and was found by his son-in-law on May 7, this year, and paramedics were called.

Mr Jourdan, of Sandpit Lane, St Albans, was admitted to Southampton General Hospital but died the following day as a result of the injuries he sustained.

An inquest has now been opened into his death by senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson.

A post mortem has been carried out by pathologist Dr Mark Walker, who has given the cause of death as severe traumatic head injury and fall.

Mr Wilkinson adjourned the hearing for a full inquest to take place on January 13.