David Longdon, the Nottingham-born frontman of prog rock band Big Big Train, died after falling down the stairs at home, an inquest was told. Mr Longdon, who lived in Kimberley, died in hospital at the age of 56 on November 20 after the incident.
An inquest into his death was held at the Nottingham Council House on July 21. Fiona Gingell, assistant coroner for Nottinghamshire, concluded that the singer died as a result of an accident.
According to the coroner's report, Mr Longdon suffered an unwitnessed fall down the stairs at home on November 19. He sustained "traumatic and un-survivable head injuries", she wrote in the report.
Read more: Tributes paid to Nottingham front man of band Big Big Train who died in accident
He was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where he sadly died the next day, the report read. The band he was part of said they were "absolutely stunned" by Mr Longdon's death.
In November, Big Big Train bassist and founder Greg Spawton said: “David made a huge impact on my life, both musically and personally. I loved him like a brother and already feel his loss very deeply. He was a true creative visionary with extraordinary depth of talent. But above all he was a first rate and very kind man. His family, friends, BBT bandmates and crew will miss him terribly.”
The beloved musician was born on June 17, 1965. He leaves behind his two daughters Amelia and Eloise, his mother Vera and his partner Sarah Ewing.
Following Mr Longdon's death, Ms Ewing said: “David and I were best friends, partners and soulmates and I am utterly devastated by his loss. He was a beautiful person and I feel so lucky to have known and loved him.”
Mr Longdon began his career as the lead singer of The Gift Horse before he joined Big Big Train in 2009, 19 years after the band's founding. He went on to contribute to that year's The Underfall Yard album and recorded a further eight studio albums with the band. David had also released an album with the late Judy Dyble under the name Dyble Longdon, and was said to be working on a solo album.
In his earlier days, Mr Longdon auditioned in 1996 to replace Phil Collins in Genesis. The band's former guitarist Steve Hackett tweeted: “I’m very sad to hear of David Longdon’s passing. He was a lovely guy and had a wonderful voice. He sounded fabulous singing on the vocal version of Spectral Mornings.”
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