FURTHER tests have been requested on the body of a Burnley man found collapsed in snow just 700 metres from his home.
An inquest was opened by East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor yesterday into the death of Gary Windle, 25, who was discovered in the early hours of Saturday in Shay Lane, Briercliffe.
Mr Windle, of nearby Monk Hall Lane, was airlifted to the Royal Blackburn Hospital after a farmer found him collapsed at around 4.45am.
He was later pronounced dead and a post mortem examination was carried out by Dr Mohammed Al-Daoud, Burnley Coroner's Court was told.
Dr Al-Daoud has asked for permission to conduct tests on Mr Windle and Coroner Mr Taylor agreed to adjourn the hearing.
Mr Windle had been out with his brother Lee when he caught a taxi back to Briercliffe, according to police. Snow drifts meant police faced severe difficulties in reaching his body. Tributes have been paid by family, friends and colleagues to a 'larger than life' legend.
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