US Air Force veteran died after falling from bike

The inquest opened at Cockermouth Coroner's Court on Tuesday

A United States Air Force veteran died after falling from a bike in Cumbria, an inquest has heard.

John Schultze, 71, was visiting the UK from his home in America and was cycling on the A689 on 27 June when he fell.

An inquest into his death opened at Cockermouth Coroner's Court on Tuesday.

Mr Schultze fell from the bike, between the villages of Nenthead and Nenthall, east of Alston, and went into cardiac arrest, the hearing was told.

A post-mortem examination was carried out and the cause of death was noted as head injury.

Mr Schultze, retired from the US Air Force, was divorced at the time of his death and had latterly lived in South Tacoma, in the state of Washington.

His identity was confirmed by a police constable using a passport in the veteran's possession.

Area coroner for Cumbria, Kirsty Gomersal, said: "Given the cause and circumstances of Mr Schultze’s death, I am satisfied that an inquest is required."

The inquest was adjourned to a provisional conclusion date of 28 January, pending further inquiries.