Paul Lawrence was found lying in the road at around 6.35am on Sunday, January 28.
Ambulance crews went to Gladonian Road in Littlehampton where they found the 51-year-old.
They initially called Sussex Police stating it was a “suspicious cardiac arrest” an inquest opening in Chichester heard this morning.
Tributes poured in for Paul Lawrence following his death last month (Image: Sussex Police)
A 16-year-old boy also from the town was arrested on suspicion of murder but was released on bail.
Coroner Gareth Jones said: “On the basis that it is under investigation I have to suspend the inquest while criminal proceedings are ongoing.
“He is believed to have been punched by a male.”
The inquest heard that Mr Lawrence, who worked as a plumber and gas engineer, had a head injury consistent with a fall.
The coroner said that he was identified by his mother Marie Lawrence.
A post mortem was carried out on January 30.
A provisional inquest date has been set for September 2.
Tributes from friends and family poured in for Mr Lawrence, who lived in Cheal Way, half a mile from where he died.
Paul’s daughters Louise and Josephine described their dad as “kind, generous and always laughing or smiling with the most reassuring smiley eyes”.
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