A MAN'S sudden death may always remain a mystery.

Experts have been unable to explain why Graham Derwent, 32, a father-of-three, collapsed after washing the family car.

His wife, Melody Derwent, returned to their home in Sowerby Crescent, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, after work to find her unconscious husband on a pile of car mats he had been cleaning.

Neighbours reported having seen unemployed Mr Derwent washing the car, an inquest in Middlesbrough was told.

A post-mortem examination revealed no reason for his death and further checks did not show a cause either.

Hospital consultant Professor Ian Greaves told the inquest: "There was nothing to indicate what the cause of the problem was.''

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield said: "It is quite a rare situation where the cause of death cannot be found.

"Extensive inquiries have been carried out to endeavour to ascertain a cause of Mr Derwent's sudden collapse but, in spite of all the efforts, a cause of death is unascertainable.

"There was no unnatural cause which could account for Mr Derwent's sudden collapse, no trauma, no injuries, no poisoning, no use of drugs.''

The inquest heard that the most likely cause was adult sudden death syndrome.

Mr Sheffield recorded a verdict of death from natural causes.