Gary Windle from Briercliffe 'died walking home in snow'
A man collapsed and died in deep snow after he tried to walk home in treacherous conditions following a night out, an inquest has heard.
Gary Windle, 25, was found dead by a farmer on Shay Lane, Briercliffe, near Burnley at about 13:30 GMT on 23 March.
He died from hypothermia after being dropped off by a taxi about a mile and a half from his home as the roads were blocked off because of heavy snowfall.
Deputy coroner Mark Williams recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
'Never made it'
He said Mr Windle died from hypothermia following a combination of the roads being blocked, the darkness, the blizzards and being under the influence.
"It is clear he intended to walk home but unfortunately never made it," he said.
Burnley Coroner's Court was told Mr Windle had planned to stay overnight at a friend's house initially but then decided to order a taxi home.
Giving evidence, pathologist Dr Abdul Al-Dawoud said alcohol could make a person more susceptible to hypothermia as it reduces the core temperature of the body which then leads to disorientation and poor decision making.