A PENSIONER who drowned on holiday in Menorca was the victim of a tragic accident, a coroner ruled yesterday.
Hazel Turner, 77, of Almsford Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was a competent swimmer, the sea was calm on the day she drowned in July, 2001, and there were no underwater currents.
Her husband, Anthony, said he was swimming on his own for no more than a minute, then turned to find Mrs Turner face down in the water.
An English doctor was on the beach and a group of Spanish divers training nearby were quickly on the scene.
But there was nothing they could do for Mrs Turner.
A post-mortem examination revealed she had drowned after suffering mild cardiac ischaemia.
In a statement read to the hearing at Harrogate Magistrates' Court yesterday, Mr Turner praised hotel staff for the sympathy and help after his wife's death.
Coroner Geoff Fell recorded a verdict of accidental death.
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