AN elderly widow died from severe head injuries after falling at her Darlington home, an inquest heard yesterday.
Freda Nicholls, of Beaconsfield Street, was found lying at the bottom of her stairs by her friend, Kathleen Newcombe, on December 19, the inquest at Darlington Magistrates' Court was told.
Ms Newcombe, also of Beaconsfield Street, said the 88-year-old was dead when she found her just after 9.30am.
A post-mortem examination found she died from a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage. Consultant pathologist Ursula Earl said a small growth was also found on the side of her brain, which could have affected her balance.
South West Durham and Darlington Coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of accidental death
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