A FORMER Royal Marine who was battling a host of serious health problems died after stepping into the path of an oncoming lorry, an inquest has heard.

Elderly Ivan Hall, a granddad of five, died on August 10, last year, following the collision in Bere Road, Coldharbour, near Wareham.

The "much-loved" and "well-liked" 78-year-old from Sheffield, who served nine years in the Royal Marines and was affectionately known as Nobby, died at the scene, Dorset Coroner's Court heard yesterday.

Giving evidence at the Bournemouth hearing, his daughter, Zoe Hall, said: "I don't believe he was depressed. He was very proud, I don't think he would have wanted to be a burden on people.

"It seems to me that he deliberately walked in front of the lorry. Whether he was confused, I don't know. But he did walk in front of that lorry."

Web cam footage from the 26-tonne lorry showed Mr Hall looking and walking towards the HGV. Even when it swerved, Mr Hall continued walking towards it.

A later police search of Mr Hall's home revealed a number of documents, including his will and various passwords for accounts, laid out in an orderly manner. However, no suicide note was found.

Publican Richard Bell, a close friend of Mr Hall, last spoke with him just days before the incident.

"He was fine, he was his normal self, laughing and joking," recalled Mr Bell. "Even though he was so ill, he was just so upbeat. When he came in, everybody's spirits rose."

Asked by Dorset Coroner Rachael Griffin if the deceased ever spoke of ending his life, Mr Bell replied: "Never."

And Mr Hall's ex-wife, Wendy Browning, who remained a close friend despite their divorce, agreed. She also told the hearing her former husband, despite his worsening health, had never spoken of taking his own life.

A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death as multiple injuries and abdominal bleeding.

The pathologist also told the court Mr Hall had advanced lung cancer, a serious lung infection and heart disease, which could have killed him regardless in a "matter of days."

Police Sergeant Joe Pardey explained the fatal collision took place on Bere Road, by the entrance to the popular Sika Way pathway and cycle route, one of Mr Hall's favourite spots.

Subsequent investigations proved the HGV was in good mechanical order and was travelling along the 50mph stretch of road at 36mph.

In police interview the lorry driver, who was uninjured in the incident, told officers Mr Hall had just walked out into the pathway of his truck.

Dorset Coroner Rachael Griffin recorded a verdict of suicide.