THE inquest into the death of a Southampton cyclist was opened on Tuesday morning.

On July 23, officers were called to Hill Lane in the city following reports of a crash between a cyclist and a car at around 9.58pm.

The cyclist, Joe Burton, 33, of Dorchester Court, was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he died of his injuries.

On the day of the incident, a 24-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of two counts of drug driving.

He has been released under investigation.

According to a post mortem report by consultant pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri, the cause of death was severe head injuries.

Mr Burton's family last week said: “Joe liked to work hard and play hard. He trained as an electrician with a local electrical company and studied at Eastleigh College, twice achieving apprentice of the year.

“He loved travelling and worked in many places including the French Alps, Thailand, Australia, and Switzerland and also spent two tours in Antarctica with the British Antarctic Survey and the Australian Antarctic Division.

“He exuded happiness and will be remembered by everyone he met even if he barely spoke their language.

“His infectious attitude would make you feel anything was possible. He was recently married to his wife Anna and was so excited to be making a life together with her.

“His words to us all missing him today would be, ‘you'll be alright’.”