A highly educated surveyor who chose to live a simple life without heating or hot water died after being found at home with “a perishingly cold temperature” of 24.5C. 

Rex Ginn, of May Bank in North Walsham, was discovered at his home after a police welfare check on February 16. 

At a recent inquest into his death, held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that a neighbour had raised the alarm after not seeing Mr Ginn, 76, for around two weeks. 

Although he "kept himself to himself", his neighbour reported that she usually saw him running errands two to three times a week.  

Police gained access to his home where they found Mr Ginn lying on his back on the living room floor. 

Upon entering the property, the officers said they “could feel the cold coming from inside”. 

He was taken by ambulance to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. 

Consultant Dr Emily Ormerod said: “He was perishingly cold. His initial temperature when measured accurately was 24.5C (76.1F) degrees. 

Rex Ginn died at the Norfolk and Norwich HospitalRex Ginn died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

“He was bradycardic, hypotensive, and was profoundly unwell. He also had a punctured lung and signs of infection. He was in a critical condition throughout the entire time.” 

Despite attempts to save his life, he deteriorated and died at the hospital the following day. 

In a statement provided to the court by his nephew Michael Ginn, he described his 'Uncle Ricky' as “a very private man, shy and uncomfortable around people, but extremely intelligent.

He held two degrees and worked across the world as an oceanographer surveyor. 

He devoted his later life to the care and final nursing of his mother and father, Enda and John Ginn. Following their deaths, he chose “to live a simple life”.  

The court also heard that Mr Ginn had refused a boiler repair around 25 years ago and his house had no functioning heating system. The hot water was also disconnected 

The primary medical cause of death was given as hyperthermia. 

Recording her conclusion, area coroner Samantha Goward said: "He died as a result of the consequences of a fall and long lie, the length of which is unknown." 

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