A WOMAN who fell while out shopping died the next day, an inquest has heard.

Rebecca Mardle, of Webbs Court, Kesgrave, was doing her weekly food shop at Tesco in Martlesham on November 30 when she fell outside the store.

She was taken to Ipswich Hospital by ambulance where X-rays showed she had a fractured hip. She underwent an operation to repair it the following morning. She died on December 1 after suffering cardiac problems post-operation.

A statement from spinal surgeon Dr Robin Lovell was read by Kevin McCarthy, deputy coroner for Suffolk, at Wednesday’s inquest, which said: “She was taken to theatre and the procedure itself was uncomplicated.”

Mrs Mardle, 81, who had arthritis, suffered a cardiac arrest. A post mortem showed Mrs Mardle died from a pulmonary embolus which was secondary to deep vein thrombosis.

Mr McCarthy recorded a verdict of natural causes.

Speaking to her widower Gerald, he said: “You had a long marriage and a happy one. You have got a very supportive daughter and whatever happens you should not seek to blame yourself.

“You were doing what husbands do by accompanying your wife shopping and inexplicable things do happen.”