THE partner of a tragic 28-year-old who suddenly died at the wheel of his car today spoke of the "perfect guy" who died in her arms.

Rebecca Bell, of Progress Avenue, Blackburn, was too distressed to attend the inquest of her partner Warren Andrew Bell, who died in January.

The warehouse worker was on his way to collect a takeaway with Rebecca the day after a heavy night's drinking when he collapsed at the wheel of his car.

The Blackburn inquest heard that he suddenly stopped breathing, narrowly avoiding a collision.

The couple had been living together for three years and were planning to buy a house in Accrington. Speaking after the inquest she said: "He was a perfect guy. He was my best friend and I loved him a great deal. He died in my arms and I am still in shock. I will never forget him."

In a statement submitted to the court she said: "It was a terrible and sudden shock.

"We had been out the night before and probably had one too many. Warren had been drinking Indian Beer so we decided to have a KFC for tea.

"He had said his heart was racing and seemed very hyperactive but it did not seem to bother him.

"We were driving along near Asda then all of a sudden the car swerved and he had just slumped back.

"I turned the car quickly towards the kerb and hit the hazards. I dived on him and tried to resuscitate him. I was screaming and going berserk. But I knew he had died in my arms."

Warren dead on arrival at Blackburn Royal Infirmary

Warren's family also spoke of their grief. His father John Smith, of Burnley, added: "Warren said a loveable person who had lots of friends and loved life.

"The shock has been unbearable for everyone. He was a wonderful son and friend. He loved all his sports and his cars."

Coroner Michael Singleton concluded that Warren had died from natural causes from a severe blockage in his lungs and a cardiac arrythmia. He said the shock to the family must be "beyond belief".

He added: "To lose such a young man who was apparently in excellent health must be a terrible shock which is difficult to understand.

"The lungs showed intense congestion in histology tests and this is consistent with cardiac arrythmia given the symptoms Warren mentioned during the day."

Mr Smith said there was no history of cardiac problems in the family.