AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a 92-year-old reverend who lived and died in Malta.

Rev. John Edward Franks was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital after suffering a fall at home. He did not want to eat or drink, and his condition deteriorated – he died on August 11.

An inquest was opened into his death at Winchester Coroner’s Court by area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp.

His connection to Hampshire was not stated at the opening but a tribute on the Times of Malta said that his cremation took place in Basingstoke on September 8.

No post mortem has been carried out but a preliminary cause of death has been given as respiratory arrest lower respiratory tract infection, cognitive impairment, along with atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitis, hypertension, gout, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.

Ms Rhodes-Kemp adjourned the hearing for a full inquest to take place on January 24, 2022.