THE death of an Oxford professor while on holiday in Morocco remains a mystery after his inquest was concluded yesterday.

David Upton, a dean at the Said Business School, drowned in the pool of the luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel in Casablanca on August 1 last year.

Coroner Darren Salter said it was still not clear what caused Mr Upton, said to be a strong swimmer, to drown in the pool as there was no evidence of a 'medical episode'.

Fellow hotel guest Julie Reventlow described how Mr Upton, 57, of Southmoor Road, had eaten a large lunch and drunk some alcohol before entering the pool, but it was unclear if this had any part to play.

He was found lying in the water on his front and dragged out by staff before being taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Salter recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Colleague Professor Peter Tufano paid tribute to the academic who he had worked with for many decades. He said: "He is deeply missed and we extend our sympathies to his wife and family."