An insulin dependent diabetic died as a result of a fractured skull sustained after he fell down the stairs at his home, an inquest was told.
Michael Richards (64), of Lonsdale Street, Nelson, was found dead at his home in February by close friend Joseph McCulloch, whose mother was an ex-partner of the deceased.
He said he had received a phone call from his sister who had been trying to get in touch with Mr Richards and, as he worked nearby, went to the house and found the curtains closed. He had a key, went in and found Mr Richards at the foot of the stairs.
Pathologist Dr Walid Salman said a post mortem revealed Mr Richards had sustained three fractures to his skull in a fall which had led to his death.
East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of accidental death.