Teletubbies actor Simon Shelton killed by "high concentration of alcohol" and hypothermia, inquest rules

The cause of death of Simon Shelton, who played Tinky Winky in the popular children's cartoon Teletubbies, has been revealed.

According to an inquest, Shelton died of hypothermia. He was also found with a "high concentration of alcohol" in his body when he froze to death at the age of 52 following a night out in Liverpool in January.


An inquest by coroner Anita Bhardwaj recorded his cause of death as misadventure. She remarked that it's likely both the alcohol and plummeting temperatures caused his death.

Mrs Bhardwaj wrote: "Simon Barnes was 52 with a medical history of alcohol dependence."

She continued: "On 17 January at 7.15am, Simon was found deceased at the Port of Liverpool Building in a well between the building and street.

"Toxicological analysis found a high concentration of alcohol.

"The temperature on the day was three degrees and it is more likely than not the combination of the alcohol consumed and the temperature caused his death."