Tribute has been paid to a 97 year-old Douglas woman, who passed away last week following a fall.

The inquest of Ellen Elizabeth Kelly was held at Douglas courthouse.

Mrs Kelly fell down stairs at Cubbon House residential home on Marathon Road, where she was a resident, on May 28.

James Davis reports (text from attached audio file, below):

The court heard how care assistant, Vivienne Wardle, and staff were working downstairs when they heard two loud thuds and saw Mrs Kelly lying at the foot of the stairs.

An ambulance was called and Mrs Kelly taken to Noble’s Hospital but her condition deteriorated during treatment.

A post-mortem revealed she died from massive blunt force trauma to the thorax and head, consistent with falling down stairs.

Her nephew, Philip Gale, last saw Mrs Kelly on May 25 when, he said, she seemed her usual self.

The inquest was told Mrs Kelly was a very likeable lady with a sharp mind and, although there was a lift in the home, she always used the stairs and joked with friends that it was her daily exercise.

Coroner Michael Moyle said, despite her years, Mrs Kelly appeared to be perfectly capable of using the stairs and said it was a shame she had not lived long enough to receive a 100th birthday telegram from the Queen.

He offered his condolences to her family.

(Picture: Douglas courthouse where the inquest was held).