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78-year-old died from hypothermia after disappearing from Douglas home

Joseph Rice went missing in January prompting search response

A 78-year-old man from Douglas, who went missing last month, died from hypothermia.

Joseph Bernard Rice, who disappeared from his home at Ballanard Court  prompting a large search effort, was found in the garden of a house on nearby Ballanard Road.

The inquest into the retired bricklayer's death opened at Douglas Courthouse today.

Coroner of Inquests Jayne Hughes said Mr Rice died sometime between 18 and 23 January, but the exact time and date was not known.

Adjourning proceedings, Mrs Hughes passed on her condolences to Mr Rice's family and released his body so that funeral arrangements can take place.

An investigation regarding the circumstances of his death is ongoing.

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