A popular former scout leader died in his sleep after catching a rare flu-like virus which infected his heart, an inquest heard.

Father-of-two Bryn Nightingale was just 44 and had no obvious health problems when he was found by his 15-year-old daughter Sophie at home in Aston Close, Penkridge.

The scout stalwart inspired youngsters in Wolverhampton, Wombourne and Penkridge.

Cannock Coroner’s Court heard yesterday that Mr Nightingale was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat five years ago, but he was not receiving medication for this and it was not connected to his death.

He had complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms four days before his death on October 21 last year, which pathologist Dr Terrance Hollingworth said was the start of an infection which reached his heart.

“In most cases people survive and it is relatively rare to die from this condition,” he said.

“But I think he would have died in his sleep and would not have been aware of anything going on.”

South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh recorded the death as being from natural causes.

Mr Nightingale helped to build the 2nd Wombourne Scout Hut with his father Gordon and other parents.

He went through all scout groups and after venture scouts completed an electronic engineering degree at Staffordshire University.

He became a cub scout leader for 2nd Wombourne Scouts and met wife Leeza when she was invited to help at a bonfire in the village in 1985.

She later became cub leader with him and they married in 1987.

The couple trained other adults to become scout leaders and Mr Nightingale, an IT consultant who did not smoke and rarely drank, was also assistant district commissioner for cub scouts in Wolverhampton.

He was most recently leader with Penkridge Scout Group but gave up the role five years ago as he started working away from home.