A MENTAL patient who died after plummeting from the roof of Blackpool Victoria Hospital may not have been suicide, a coroner has concluded.

Psychiatric patient 59-year-old Alec Anthony Keelan -- a long-term alcoholic -- formerly of Princess Street, died after falling from the hospital roof in November last year.

The victim is believed to have accessed the roof using a workman's ladder before climbing a safety barrier and toppling into a rear car park.

Mr Keelan had earlier been admitted to the hospital's Ward 33 suffering from recurring mental problems and dizzy spells.

He was rushed to the neurology unit Royal Preston Hospital suffering from severe head injuries which proved to be fatal.

During an inquest into his death held in the resort on Thursday, May 22, witnesses -- including a medical staff and a workman -- claimed Mr Keelan had shown no signs of wishing to commit suicide during his stay at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

They told the hearing how he had left the ward via a fire exit, in order to get some fresh air and was seen to fall not jump from the top of the building.

Recording a verdict of open death, Blackpool coroner -- Mr Samuel Lee -- said: "There is no conclusive evidence which proves, either way, whether Mr Keelan intended to commit suicide or fell accidentally."