Inquest opens on man found in water at Brierley Hill canal
An inquest on a man whose body was discovered in a canal has opened.
Published
Simon Smith was found dead in a canal near Brierley Hill's Meeting Lane Industrial Estate on December 27 last year.
The 50-year-old was reported missing after failing to return home on December 3, Black Country Coroner's Court was told on Monday.
Mr Smith, of Yorke Avenue, Brierley Hill, was found in the water near to a footpath - which was his 'regular route' home.
Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique said the preliminary cause of death was drowning.
West Midlands Police launched an appeal to find Mr Smith, who was born in Stourbridge, after family and friends became extremely worried about his safety.
The inquest was adjourned and will resume on February 15.
