A much-loved footballer died after falling down a staircase just a day after planning his wedding.

Adam Hickmott, described by his girlfriend as "the perfect man", had been at a family funeral hours before the tragic accident in April.

An inquest this week heard the 33-year-old was found at the bottom of the stairs at his home in Cranbrook. He suffered a fatal neck injury.

Mr Hickmott’s football team described him as "a true Sandhurst FC legend" who was "taken way before his time".

It added: "He loved our club, and the club loved him back. The changing room and pub banter will never be the same. His infamous sayings and catchphrases will live on and bring smiles to our faces whenever we hear them repeated by his vast amount of friends."

Mr Hickmott, who was known as Bomber, had been planning his wedding with partner Ellie White the day before tragedy struck.

The inquest at Gravesend Old Town Hall heard that earlier in the day, he had gone for breakfast with his brother Steven, but felt ill and returned home.

The wholesaler, of Causton Road, off High Street, Cranbrook, went to a family funeral later that day and had a few drinks in the pub after. When he returned home at about 5pm he headed to bed.

His brother heard him get up to use the bathroom and called out to see if he felt better but heard a crash and groaning.

He went to investigate and saw Mr Hickmott at the bottom of the stairs, face down.

"A thousand words won't bring you back. I know because I've tried. Neither will a thousand tears. I know because I've cried" - Mr Hickmott's partner, Ellie White

He had bruises and a large gash to his head where he had collided with a door.

His cause of death was spinal injuries. Small traces of cocaine were found in his system indicating recent use.

During the hearing, family members described how Mr Hickmott would normally go down the relatively steep stairs sideways.

They questioned why he would have fallen, and whether he could have blacked out, but assistant coroner Geoffrey Smith was unable to make any judgement.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he said: "His fall down the stairs may have been affected by alcohol and cocaine, or the combination, but I can't say to what extreme."

Mr Hickmott's partner Ellie White said at the time of his death: "Just yesterday we planned our wedding.

"Today he passed away and left a big empty hole in the family and my heart.

"Adam, I love you so much. You brought happiness into my life. We miss you so much. No one can replace you. You are my perfect man.

"A thousand words won’t bring you back. I know because I’ve tried. Neither will a thousand tears. I know because I’ve cried. Rest in peace my love."

A statement from Sandhurst FC, who Mr Hickmott played in goal for, said: "He will be so sorely missed by all who knew him.

"Sleep well Adam, Bomber, our goalkeeper, our team mate, our friend, our brother. You will never be forgotten."