A retired oil distribution manager died after suffering a "catastrophic head injury", an inquest has heard.

Maxwell Ian Smith, 79, from Pembroke, died on December 26, 2019, at Withybush Hospital.

At an inquest on August 27, Maggie Julien, the acting coroner's officer, said Mr Smith worked as a distribution manager for Pembroke Oil Refinery before taking an early retirement aged 63.

The court heard he was in general good health and was active, playing golf into his 70s.

"Unfortunately, in the summer of 2018 there was a fire in one of the neighbouring properties," Ms Julien said.

"Despite him not being medically affected by this fire, he became very distressed as he and his wife watched their own home being destroyed.

"Soon after this had happened they were temporarily rehoused in a nearby bungalow while their own home was rebuilt."

Ms Julien said he had been mobile and self-sufficient while living in the bungalow but had begun to suffer from falls.

"It was noticed that he had a number of bumps and bruises as a result of these falls, however, he did not go to the doctors," the coroner's officer said.

Ms Julien added the family noticed that he had begun to lose weight after the incident and seemed to have a lack of energy.

On December 22, 2019, Mr Smith fell down the stairs at his home and sustained a head injury.

However, Mr Smith refused to let his wife call an ambulance.

Mr Smith's wife went to bed and awoke to find her husband in an unresponsive state.

At Withybush Hospital it was discovered he had suffered a bleed on the brain.

On December 26, ward staff found Mr Smith unresponsive and he was pronounced dead.

Paul Bennet, the acting coroner described Mr Smith as having sustained a "catastrophic" head injury.

"It is my finding that Mr Max Smith died on December 26, 2019, at Withybush Hospital having fallen at his home on December 22, 2019.

"I, therefore, record a conclusion of accidental death."