An inquest into the sudden death of a much loved father who ‘touched so many hearts’ has opened.

Tim Hoey died suddenly in May, aged 47, leaving behind his wife of five years, four daughters, two step-daughters and two grandchildren.

The taxi driver, who lived in Ipswich, was found at his home by police officers earlier this year.

An inquest into his death opened today, September 25, at Suffolk Coroners Court in Ipswich.

The court heard how Mr Hoey had suffered health problems and was battling a chest infection at the time of his death.

Senior Coroner Nigel Parsley passed on his condolences to the family of Mr Hoey before opening and adjourning the inquest for further investigation to take place.

At the time of the death of Mr Hoey, his daughter Lisa-Marie, 25, said her dad “loved having a big family”.

She said: “In recent years, life wasn’t the easiest for our dad with his health, but he always tried to make the best out of the cruel world around him.

“He had so much love to give and myself and my sisters are the lucky ones to feel that love the most, as well as his grandchildren Cleo and Brody, close friends, his sister/best friend Claire and family.

“Our dad loved his music, especially Elvis Presley. He enjoyed gardening and cooking and loved all his weird and wonderful pets he had throughout his life.

“Through all walks of life our dad touched so many hearts, he left a huge imprint behind.

“Above all else, the most important thing in this world to our dad was his daughters and grandchildren. All he ever wanted was to be able to see us as much as he could. He was so looking forward to this lockdown being over and for all of us to be together again.”