A MAN with dementia was sadly found dead on Sand Gate Marshes earlier this year, an inquest heard.

Arthur Wilson is believed to have entered the River Eea in unknown circumstances in the early hours of the morning of February 22, 2020. The 86-year-old was found by Bay Search and Rescue after he was reported missing by his son Simon Wilson.

Simon Wilson said in a statement at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court.: “First he was a farmer for 20 years in Cartmel where he met my mum Margaret Wilson.We moved to Station Road in Cark in Cartmel where he did stints as a milkman. He went on to become a handyman at Holker Hall and later did jobs around the area upon retirement. Mum died in 2012 and I remained living with him from then alongside my wife. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2013.”

Mr Wilson went on to say how the night before his father went missing, he was shouting and swearing at the top of the stairs and the next morning at around 5am he was not in his bedroom.

He later reported him missing to the police.

The pathologist report concluded that Mr Wilson, who is from Cark-in-Cartmel, died due to immersion in water and hypothermia due to exposure, likely brought on by dementia. This prognosis was accepted by the coroner.

In his conclusion, coroner Simon Ward said: “He entered the river, most probably by the house. There is nothing to suggest he intended to enter the river deliberately. How he did will not be known, but most likely by accident.”