AN INQUEST has been held into the death of a 38-year-old Wrexham man last seen at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Daniel Martin Douglas Nichol, of Heol Abon in Cefn Mawr, died five-days after a male was reported to have fallen from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Thursday, May 30, the inquest at County Hall in Ruthin heard today. (October 10)

A member of the public claimed a noise had been heard near the 126-feet-high structure over the River Dee. A body was then sighted flowing downstream along the river below the bridge.

Over the days that followed, the area was searched and on June 4 a body was discovered by a member of the public at a location near Ty Mawr Country Park. Mr Nichol was formerly pronounced dead at approximately 3.20pm on June 4.

Following a post-mortem examination, pathologist Dr Muhammad Mehdi concluded that drowning was the most likely cause of death. There were no signs of intoxication and he had not previously suffered with mental health issues.

Kate Robertson, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, stated the cause of death as drowning after Mr Nichol took himself off the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, she said Mr Nichol had previously expressed intention to end his life, and that death was his intention at that time of the incident. 

Anyone with mental health issues can contact MIND's infoline on 0300 123 3393, email info@mind.org.uk or text 86463 anytime between 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, contact Samaritans at any time. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org.