THE inquest into the death of a man who died after a night out in Bowness has recorded a conclusion of accidental death. 

Matthew Jordan was found in Windermere nearly three weeks after he went missing after becoming separated from his friends during a night out in Bowness in March last year.

Cumbria’s senior coroner David Roberts, sitting at Kendal County Hall, concluded that Mr Jordan’s death was caused by immersion in cold, fresh water after falling into a beck. 

The disappearance of the 20-year-old student, from Middlesborough, sparked a massive search effort by family, friends and local volunteers. 

As the evidence of the body’s recovery was read out in court, his parents broke down in tears. 

Detective Inspector Furzana Nazir, from Cumbria police, said in her 25-year career, she had never seen a public response like that to Matthew’s disappearance as public searches were launched on a daily basis. 

She said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Matthew Jordan. 

“When Matthew was reported missing, Cumbria Constabulary launched an extensive search for him calling on a number of resources. 

“I would like to thank once again the specialist teams both within the police and other agencies, the local community and those that travelled from the North-east of England to assist the police and Matthew’s family and friends during the search.” 

The inquest heard from the 20-year-old’s mother, who said her son hadn’t been drinking for at least a month before his night out as he’d been on a fitness regime. 

She added he hadn’t been to Windermere before, so didn’t know the area. 

Three of Mr Jordan’s friends said they had lost touch with him after he became ill in the Stag’s Head. 

His friends directed him to the toilets but instead he went outside. 

Mr Jordan wandered off in the direction of a nearby Chinese restaurant. 

He later headed back towards the Stag’s Head – CCTV there caught his last confirmed sighting. 

Evidence from a pathologist said alcohol hadn’t been the cause of death; nor were there any drugs in his system. 

He ruled Mr Jordan had been dead for “some time” when he was found. 

A single bruise was found to his head, but he was pretty certain it wasn’t from a blow; most likely from a fall. 

There was no definitive evidence Mr Jordan drowned; but that wasn’t ruled out – nor was hypothermia. The pathologist recorded an “unascertained” cause of death.