A MUSICIAN who remained active into his late 80s tragically died after falling down his cellar steps.

A Huddersfield inquest was told how Paul Michelson, 89, of Bourn View Road, Netherton, had played the cello for Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra for more than 50 years, but was forced to give up due to his arthritic knees.

A former president of Huddersfield Choral Society, Mr Michelson was featured in the Examiner last year when he passed his Advanced Driving Test on the first attempt, at the age of 88.

German-born Mr Michelson was advised to take the test after passing a driving programme for older people with flying colours.

Yesterday’s inquest was told how friends called at Mr Michelson’s home on August 11 this year and found him at the foot of the stone cellar steps.

Paramedics were called but Mr Michelson died just after they arrived.

He had struck his head on the wall as he fell.

His walking stick was found nearby.

Mr Michelson died of an acute subdural haematoma, bruising on the brain.

Kirklees coroner Dr Peter Straker heard that Mr Michelson was generally fit and active but had increasing health problems.

He had arthritis in both knees, heart problems and had recently had cataract operations.

Recording an accident verdict, Dr Straker said: “It is very sad that such a thing should happen to someone who was clearly still an active person.”

In the Examiner last year Mr Michelson spoke about how important it was for him to remain active.

He said: “At my time of life the question of retaining your driving licence is important because you lose your liberty without it.

“I’ve got arthritis and I live a long distance from the bus stop.”