A DOG walker died instantly after being struck by lightning on a golf course last month, an inquest heard this week.

Neil Bennett’s body was discovered by his worried partner, who had started the search when she received a call from someone who found their dog.

During the inquest, family heard how Mr Bennett was “very unlucky” and had better chances of winning the lottery.

The 46-year-old who lived in New Denham had been walking his Red Setter, on the Denham Golf Course on Wednesday, October 8, when he was hit by lightning during a storm.

It is believed he was only about 20 minutes into his walk when he was killed.

His partner Lisa Parish found his body by a tree hours later while phoning the police to tell of her fears he was missing.

She told of how she became worried when he had not returned at his usual time and someone from the golf club phoned to say they found her dog.

She said: “I could tell from her (the dogs) demeanour that something was not right. We took her home and then me, a neighbour and two others went back up to the club and they suggested I call the police.

“I seriously thought he must have slipped and bashed his head and as I was talking to the police officer I found him.”

Mr Bennett had left his home at about 4.45pm and usually returned at about 6.30pm, it is believed he was struck at the start of his walk, after 5pm.

His body was found between 9pm and 10pm with paramedics confirming he had died at 10.10pm.

There were red burn marks on his neck, chest and feet and his chest and leg hair had also been singed.

The tree which he was found next to had signs of being struck by lightning too, with large spirals seen on the tree and chunks of bark found on the ground.

Coroner Richard Hulett recorded a conclusion of misadventure after hearing from Ms Parish, a police detective and a pathologist.

Mr Hulett said: “He was walking his dog when he was struck by lightning - it really was a million to one chance.

“I have heard of deaths by lightning across the country before but never in my 27 years have I had anyone died here from this, is it very unlucky.”

He added it is extraordinarily rare by anyone’s standards – you have more chance of winning the lottery.