Man found naked in field died from hypothermia

Aaron Davies was found by a farmer checking his livestock in a field in January 2023

A man found dead lying naked in a field during cold weather likely died from hypothermia, and was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death, a coroner has ruled.

Aaron Davies, 31, was found by a farmer checking his livestock in a remote area near Llandridod Wells, Powys, in January 2023.

An inquest into his death in Pontypridd heard Mr Davies removed his clothes about 700m (0.4 miles) from where he was found due to "paradoxical undressing" brought on by hypothermia.

Graeme Hughes, South Wales coroner, issued a narrative conclusion finding Mr Davies died from hypothermia while "under the influence of illicit drugs", notably amphetamines.

Mr Davies, who had no occupation or fixed address at the time of his death, was described as the area's "Bear Grylls" for his love of the outdoors.

The inquest heard he had shown "an interest in the great outdoors from a young age", and that he enjoyed practicing survival skills, going on hikes alone, building shelters and living off the land.

"He would walk like this in the mountains all the time – he seemed to have no comprehension of the danger he could be in," Christopher Davies, his father, said.

Mr Davies was described as a "very well liked individual" who had schizophrenia and autism, suffering a "serious mental break down" after a family break-up.

When his mental illness deteriorated, he began to "self-medicate with drugs", including crack cocaine and marijuana, his father said.

Mr Hughes, the coroner, said Mr Davies "suffered with chronic mental ill health and was an illicit drug abuser".

He was last seen by a friend on 19 January, four days before his body was found by the farmer.

When he was found, Mr Davies was "naked during a period of extremely cold weather".

Police found his clothes "in a pile", about 700m from where his body was found, and forensic pathologist Dr John Williams said he believed Mr Davies removed his clothes due to "paradoxical undressing" brought on by hypothermia.

The inquest heard from toxicologist Dawn Reed, who said the presence of amphetamines was also found in Mr Davies' system.

Mr Hughes found the level of amphetamine had a "more than minimal or trivial contribution to Aaron's death", exacerbating the "metabolic disturbances" caused by his hypothermia.

Mr Davies's family described him as a "kind and carefree soul" and keen martial artist who represented Wales in karate.

They added he was a "loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin" and his loss would "leave a huge hole in everyone's lives that knew him".