A 57-year-old carpenter from Didcot was discovered deceased at Culham Lock Car Park in Abingdon on Easter Monday, April 6, an Oxfordshire inquest has heard.
Alexander Collins was pronounced dead at the riverside location, with emergency services present throughout much of the day.
Officers established a security perimeter restricting access to the car park near the River Thames, and investigators erected a temporary structure at the scene.
Authorities clarified that the deceased was located inside a motor vehicle rather than in the waterway.
A dark-coloured four-wheel-drive vehicle was subsequently removed from the premises.
A Culham resident who witnessed the operation described the situation as alarming, noting that the village typically experiences minimal emergency service activity.
According to her account, numerous residents gathered nearby observing the proceedings, while the lock keeper appeared visibly distressed with his head in his hands.
She observed that the location, usually frequented for walks and recreation, had become unsettling for locals who rarely encounter such incidents in the area.
Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court convened on Monday, September 21, to examine the circumstances surrounding Mr Collins’ death.
The hearing was informed that he was born on February 23, 1969, in Eccles, Greater Manchester, and had resided in Didcot where he worked as a carpenter.
A post-mortem examination established two causes of death.
The primary cause was determined to be combined drug and alcohol toxicity, while ischaemic heart disease was cited as a contributing factor.
Toxicology findings indicated that the quantities of substances present in his system were consistent with fatal toxicity.
Area Coroner Nicholas Graham reviewed medical documentation detailing Mr Collins’ history of depression and persistently low mood.
Despite these challenges, evidence presented indicated he derived pleasure from walking and caring for his canine companion.
A written statement was presented to the court on behalf of Mr Collins’ partner.
The statement described him as compassionate and affectionate, noting they shared a dog named Bo that occupied a central place in his life.
The statement characterised him as a dedicated pet owner who remained physically well, and as a person who brought considerable joy to those around him.
The coroner returned a determination of suicide, observing that the quantity of substances ingested represented a substantial overdose.
The court heard that Mr Collins had previously articulated a desire to end his own existence.
The coroner expressed sympathy to Mr Collins’ family and acquaintances.