A Bradford father-of-four died on holiday in Ibiza when he “belly-flopped” into a hotel swimming pool, causing his heart to fail.

Paul Doherty, 45, and his family were staying at the Maritim Hotel, in San Antonio Bay, at the time of the tragedy.

Bradford Coroners’ Court was told yesterday that Mr Doherty, a motorway maintenance engineer of Elmfield Drive, Odsal, was by the poolside on the afternoon of August 9, 2010, when he decided to go for a swim.

Assistant deputy coroner Roger Whittaker read out a statement from Mr Doherty’s wife, Amanda, which said she watched him “belly-flop” as he dived into the pool.

In the statement, Mrs Doherty said: “I couldn’t see him after this, but within a few seconds some hotel guests on the other side of the pool began to show signs of concern. Some went immediately into the pool and tried to pull Paul out.”

Mr Whittaker said attempts were made to revive Mr Doherty while waiting for the ambulance. Paramedics also attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination by pathologist Dr David Goldesbrough suggested Mr Doherty’s death was caused by commotio cordis – whereby cardiac arrest occurs as a result of acute trauma to the chest.

Mr Whittaker said the belly-flop into the pool caused the trauma, which made Mr Doherty’s heart stop.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he said: “It is quite clear while diving into the swimming pool that afternoon, after not executing that dive as properly as he could have, he belly-flopped into it causing trauma to his chest which caused his heart to stop.”