A popular saxophone player died after suffering an epileptic fit on his bike and plunging into a canal.

An inquest at Macclesfield Town Hall heard that Keith Robins, 59, packed up a lunch and left home to go on a bike ride on March 30. But later that day his body was found in the canal at Poynton by passers-by.

David Bannister, who owns a canal boat, and another couple became concerned after spotting his cycling helmet in the water.

Mr Bannister said: “I noticed some material behind the cycle helmet. It didn’t look right so I got a long pole with a hook and threw it into the water. I pulled the helmet came towards the side of the canal and I realised it was a body.”

Detective Sergeant Rob Balfour said uneven tyre tracks indicated he swerved before falling into the canal on his bike. A pathologist said he had died suddenly due to the shock of the cold water on his body. Police found his blue mountain bike nearby in the water.

Jean Rankin, assistant coroner for Cheshire, said: “The tyre tracks give a picture of a epileptic seizure going into the water and evidence that he never attempted to get out of the water indicates a sudden death. With evidence from Sgt Balfour we have been able to give more information to the pathologist who on balance gave a natural cause of death. I hope that goes some way to informing the family what happened.”

She concluded the cause of death was sudden cardiac arrest caused by immersion in cold water caused by an epileptic seizure.

Mr Robins, a retired photographic printer, lived at Ivy Cottage, Lyme Road, Poynton, where he cared for his mum. The inquest heard he was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005 but hadn’t had a seizure since March 2015.

His brother David said: “I saw him the day before and he seemed normal. They changed his epilepsy medication and it seemed under control. He was considering applying for a driving licence again.”

After the inquest, his sister Linda said: “I can’t believe my lovely brother is gone. He was witty, caring and would give you his last penny.”

Known as The Wizard, Mr Robins was as a saxophone player with band The Casino Allstars. Friends and family posted messages on Facebook after his death praising his talent on the saxophone and friendly character and held a celebration event in his honour.