AN inquest has opened into the death of a Maldon man who died after falling from a balcony in Turkey earlier this year.

Anthony Maxwell, 21, a crane operator from Heybridge died in Turkey on April 18 after falling from a hotel’s fifth floor balcony.

Coroner Michelle Brown Essex opened the Inquest at Coroner's Court Essex in Chelmsford on Thursday.

Ms Brown said that Anthony’s partner - who he was on holiday with -was unpacking at the time of accident.

It was also said that Anthony’, who is known as Tony, fell from the building while he was having a cigarette.

He was rushed to hospital but could not be saved. 

The tragic accident left Tony’s mum Jade, 39, and his younger siblings Harry, 13, and Shelby, five, devastated, as friends and family grieve their loss. 

Family friend Kirsty Quilter set up a fundraiser in support of the Maxwells to help bring him home and to fund the funeral, which was estimated to cost between £3,000 and £6,000.

The fundraiser is now closed with Kirsty adding: “His death has shocked the family to the core however the generosity and compassion show by everyone who knew Tony has made there darker days a little lighter.”

“On behalf of the family thank you for all your kindness.”

A full inquest will be held at a later date.