A 21-year-old man died from cold water shock after accidentally falling into a river following a team-building day, an inquest was told. Sebastian Sailes vanished after leaving The Black Horse pub in Chippenham, Wiltshire, on 27 February 2025.
The temperature was -5C (23F) that night and the ground was slippery near the River Avon where he walked, according to the inquest. His body was recovered 12 days later following a search operation.
Coroner Grant Davies ruled Mr Sailes' death a "tragic accident", stating that the precise circumstances of how he entered the water remain unclear. Pathologist Harry Haynes said Mr Sailes likely suffered cold water shock upon entering the river.
The coroner noted a "fatal synergy" of water immersion and alcohol levels contributed to his death. Mr Sailes' father, Blair Sailes, told the inquest his son had "an amazing life ahead of him".