THE death of a father of three was a "tragic accidental occurrence", an inquest heard.

Christopher Nicholls, 59, died at his home in Thursby on May 7, 2022.

An inquest in the Coroners' Court in Cockermouth on Thursday heard Mr Nicholls was born in Hertfordshire and worked in the hotel trade before starting work with McDonald's in the 1980s, where he met his wife Susan.

His career progressed and he took on several franchises, said Mrs Nicholls.

He enjoyed home life and spending time on a canal boat, the inquest heard.

Mr Nicholls was diagnosed with tongue cancer in February 2022 and had surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He also had a tracheostomy.

Mrs Nicholls received a 'garbled text message' from her husband and returned home to find him unresponsive on the floor, the inquest heard.

An ambulance was called and paramedics diagnosed his death.

He had been taken to hospital in March when his tracheostomy dislodged and had to be replaced, heard the inquest.

Following a post mortem, the pathologist gave the medical cause of death as food aspiration.

Assistant coroner Craig Smith noted that, following tests, there was nothing found of 'toxicological significance'.

"The post mortem reveals on balance of probability it appears Colin aspirated food into his airway which lead to obstruction," said Mr Smith.

"He tried to communicate but nothing could be done in time to prevent this. It was a tragic accidental occurrence."

He concluded it was an 'accidental death'.

Mr Smith passed on his "sincere condolences to Colin's family and friends".