THE founder of an Isle of Wight historical society — who was unsteady on her feet following a stroke, and had been drinking alcohol — died after falling down the stairs.

An inquest into the death of Diana Wood, 62, held at the Isle of Wight Coroner's Court last Tuesday, heard she was found at the bottom of the stairs at her home, at George Street, Ryde, on December 10, bleeding from her nose.

A post mortem revealed she had a blood alcohol level of 140 when she died. The legal driving limit is 80.

The inquest heard Mrs Wood needed crutches after suffering a stroke in March, 2018, but she declined to use them at home.

Coroner Caroline Sumeray said: "Her husband had gone to bed for the evening, leaving her downstairs in the lounge. He later found her lying at the base of the stairs."

The glass she had been drinking from was on the floor nearby.

The court heard paramedics were called, but Mrs Wood was pronounced dead at 11.10pm.

Mrs Wood founded the Ryde Historic Society, which honoured her in a tribute published in the County Press.

The notice said: "Without her drive, imagination and enthusiasm, it is unlikely we would have such a splendid collection of all things Ryde, and the premises in which to display them.

"The people of Ryde owe her a huge debt of gratitude."

Mrs Sumeray concluded Mrs Wood had died due to a head injury, sustained during an accident.

Mrs Wood's husband, David Wood, 64, died at St Mary's Hospital earlier this month.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.