A Wiltshire firefighter died from ‘alcohol poisoning and a head injury’, an inquest heard.
49-year-old Nick Wilby was found unresponsive by a family member at the bottom of the stairs at his home in Wilton on 24 March this year.
Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court heard that the former Major in The Royal Lancers had been drinking at a school reunion the night before.
Nick has worked a firefighter for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service since March 2020.
At the time of his death, Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “It is with great sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, the sudden passing of one of our colleagues. Firefighter Nick Wilby passed away overnight on Friday at his home in Wilton.
“I speak on behalf of the entire Service when I say that we are all shocked and saddened by this news, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
“Nick joined Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in March 2020 and was a dedicated and highly valued member of our Service. He had recently completed his LGV driving course and was on his way to becoming an emergency response driver for his station in Wilton.
“We are supporting colleagues through this difficult time and in remembrance, and as a mark of respect, our Union flags will be flown at half-mast from today (Sunday 26 March) until Thursday (30 March), when they will return to full mast.”
Wiltshire Police ruled out suspicious circumstances and the inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
