Head teacher was found dead in a stream on ski trip

Simon Gibbs was found to have been intoxicated at the time of his death, a hearing was told

A head teacher was found dead in a stream during a skiing trip with his friends, an inquest heard.

Simon Gibbs was in the Haute-Savoie region of France when he died from "immersion in water and alcohol intoxication" on 11 February.

The 41-year-old, who was head of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, had been staying at the Morillon ski resort.

Senior coroner for Essex, Lincoln Brookes, opened and adjourned inquest proceedings and said a full hearing would be held in March 2025.

Andy Flack, coroner's officer, said Mr Gibbs was "on holiday in France with his friends" when his body was found.

His body was repatriated to England before a post-mortem examination was held at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

During a brief hearing at Essex Coroner's Court, Mr Brookes said he wanted to offer his "deepest condolences" to Mr Gibbs' loved ones.

A plaque was also unveiled on the newly-renamed Simon Gibbs building

Students, staff and Mr Gibbs' family gathered to rename a teaching block to honour him earlier this month.

The building was originally opened by the head teacher in 2022 and the school said it was a fitting dedication.

Speaking at the time, the school's new head teacher, Kath Bellchambers, said Mr Gibbs' impact "extended far beyond the classroom walls".

"He worked tirelessly to build a strong community anchored in the values of respect, integrity and excellence," she added.