This was how the Deputy Divisional Coroner for Mid-Northants (Mr W Yorke Groves) summed up the evidence at the inquiry at the Nag’s Head, Wollaston, on Tuesday afternoon, into the death of Mr William Ross (31), who collapsed and died during Sunday School at the Salvation Army Barracks, where he was a teacher, on Sunday.

Groaning

Only two witnesses were called.

The first was Mr Albert Bayes, brother-in-law of the dead man, and superintendent of the Salvation Army Sunday School.

Describing the events of the Sunday afternoon in school, he said deceased was one of those who had a class.

After a time, witness decided to close the classes, and whilst making the announcement, he was in time to see his brother-in-law faint and fall to the floor on his face.

He went over to him and got him into a sitting position, and loosened his collar as he was breathing deeply and groaning.

Ambulance Chief Officer Drage was fetched and he had Mr Ross carried to the door for air while artificial respiration was attempted.

The doctor was summoned in the meantime.

Doctor’s Evidence

Dr Baxter said he found Officer Drag doing all he could when he arrived, but life proved to be extinct. He knew the dead man well and had attended him professionally, but not for the past 18 months. He did not know he was suffering from heart trouble, but being stout he was prone to such a complaint.

The doctor said the colour of the face when he arrived indictaed heart failure of a sudden onset.

In his opinion death was from natural causes, and probably cardiac failure.

In giving his verdict the Deputy Coroner said “It is perfectly clear that the deceased died from heart failure, and that it was due to natural causes.”