An inquest has been opened into the death of Stuart Brodie, a 62-year-old man who passed away four days after a fall aboard his yacht in Plymouth Yacht Haven.

The preliminary hearing was held on April 3 at Exeter County Hall, led by senior coroner Philip Spinney. Mr. Brodie, originally from Coventry, was residing aboard a yacht named 'Cetch' at the time of his death. He was single and a retired film process engineer.

According to details read out in court, on March 9, Mr. Brodie fell down five steps while intoxicated and struck the back of his head. Emergency services responded quickly, and he was transported to Derriford Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he died on March 13 at 6:55pm.

The medical cause of death was confirmed as traumatic brain injury resulting from the fall. Contributing factors included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, alcohol dependence, and hypotension.

Coroner Spinney adjourned the case, and a full inquest will be scheduled at a later date. Plymouth City Council has announced that family or friends wishing to attend the full inquest can request for it to be held locally at Plymouth's Coroner's Court rather than traveling to Exeter.