A FAMILY has paid tribute to a Basingstoke man with a “great sense of humour” at an inquest into his death. 

Christopher Howard of Mercer Close was found dead at his home on September 23, 2021.

The 37-year-old was found by his sister Jessica Harrison.

An inquest into his death was held at Winchester Coroner's Court on July 20. 

Coroner Jason Pegg heard medical evidence had found Mr Howard had no external injuries or any toxic substances in his body.

The post-mortem report said the cause of the death was unascertained, the court heard. 

Mr Howard's mum Judith and sister Jessica Harrison told the coroner that he was a “cheeky chappie” with a "great sense of humour" who loved food and worked as a chef for many years.

“It was kind of his passion,” Ms Harrison told the coroner.

The family said Mr Howard was feeling anxious during the weeks leading up to his death because he couldn’t see his son who is in Czech Republic due to Covid restrictions.

They said: “He had recently had some news that he couldn't see his son because of Covid. The pandemic mentally took quite a toll on him because there were restrictions in Czech Republic. He had hoped to meet his son."

His mother and sister last spoke to Mr Howard on Saturday, September 18, five days before he was found.

Coroner Pegg concluded that the cause of Mr Howard's death remains "a mystery".

He said: "The evidence collected show that there were no external injuries. There was no alcohol in his body at the time of his death. There were no natural disease or conditions that could have led to his death. His cause of death remains a mystery. So I am giving an open conclusion."

READ MORE: What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

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