AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a Cornish student who died while on a school trip to Costa Rica.

Xander Furlong was a student at Duchy College, near Stoke Climsland, when he died in July.

The inquest at Exeter County Hall heard the 18-year-old, who was born and lived in Plymouth, was found dead while staying at the Hotel Paraiso Cabinas in the Macacona area on July 19.

Senior Devon coroner, Philip Spinney, said: “Following a day's activities he went to bed as normal. Sadly, the next morning he did not come out of his room. A further investigation by college staff found Xander had passed away. He was taken to a local hospital where a post mortem was undertaken, the results of which are awaited."

A post mortem from Costa Rica was held and its results are awaited. Xander's body was repatriated but a post mortem in the UK could not ascertain his cause of death.

Mr Spinney adjourned the hearing and a full inquest will take place at a later date.