Anthony Fortescue, High Sheriff of Cornwall, was found dead at the Boconnoc Estate
An open verdict has been recorded at the inquest into the death of the High Sheriff of Cornwall, who was discovered shot in the head.
Anthony Fortescue, 69, was found dead at his country mansion Boconnoc House, near Lostwithiel in Cornwall.
The inquest in Truro heard Mr Fortescue had suffered periodic bouts of depression but never talked of suicide.
Assistant coroner for Cornwall Barrie Van den Berg said he could not rule out the chance the death was accidental.
More on the verdict, and other Cornwall news
Mr Van den Berg told the hearing at Truro City Hall there was no note or evidence to show what Mr Fortescue really thought and he could not exclude the possibility of an accident.
Mr Fortescue was found by his carer Elizabeth Visagie in a utility room on 9 November.
The High Sheriff is regarded as a non-political royal appointee, external who supports the Crown and the judiciary.
Boconnoc House, which has been home to two prime ministers, was lovingly restored after Mr Fortescue inherited it in the 1990s
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