Tragedy of retired porter

Peter De La Garde had a genetic disorder called Klinefelter's Syndrome, which caused him to eat compulsively.

The 60-year-old died at home in London Road, Bexhill, on March 22 - but a cause of death could not be found.

On Wednesday, an inquest heard Mr De La Garde, who weighed 24 stone, had been in 'surprisingly good' health.

Pathologist Dr Ian Hawley, who carried out a post-mortem, said: "His heart was enlarged, but he was a very large man, so it might be expected.

"However, his coronary arteries were remarkably clear, and there seemed to be no other problems. All tests showed his body had been functioning well.

"Quite simply, I could find no explanation for this man's sudden death, though I am certain it was from natural causes."

He added the most likely reason was sudden heart failure, though no evidence of this could be found.

Peter Wade, manager of Thalia House sheltered housing complex where Mr De La Garde lived, said residents had been playing bingo in the communal lounge on the evening of March 21.

After this, Mr De La Garde had told another resident he was feeling a bit 'swimey' - an old Sussex word meaning sick or faint.

Mr Wade said: "On the morning of Mach 22, I called Peter's flat as usual, but he didn't answer immediately like normal.

"The flats are fitted with a system which allows residents to hear and speak to us wherever they are.

"On this occasion, he didn't reply when I spoke, so I went over to his flat and let myself in. I found him on the floor in the doorway to the bathroom. I couldn't feel a pulse, and called an ambulance immediately."

Attempts to resuscitate Mr De La Garde were unsuccessful.

Coroner Alan Craze said he was satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances, and the most likely cause of death was heart failure.

He recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.