Man drowned after falling into pond in his garden

An inquest into the death of Gordon Diaz, 71, who died on November 26 at Royal Sussex County Hospital, was held in Horsham yesterday (Thursday January 28).

On the day of his death, Mr Diaz went into the garden to secure a tree which had blown over in strong winds, the inquest heard.

Mr Diaz, who had no feeling in his fingers, lost his grip on a branch and fell into the shallow end of the pond.

His partner attempted to pull him out as he was afraid of water and couldn’t swim, but was unable to, the inquest was told.

With the help of her cousin, who was inside the house in Tanyard Lane, she pulled him out of the pond and the pair began CPR.

However, Mr Diaz was pronounced dead after he was taken to hospital. The cause of death was drowning.

West Sussex coroner Penny Schofield recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

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