Inquest opened despite man's body not being found

Benedict Gibson left his wife a note saying "love you all very much", the hearing heard

An inquest has been opened into the case of a missing man whose body has not been found.

Benedict Gibson, 34, known as Ben, was last seen on 30 March 2023 in Workington in Cumbria.

Cockermouth Coroners’ Court heard that Mr Gibson was presumed to have died the following day in the area of Ennerdale Water, east of Cleator Moor.

Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for the county said the "working hypothesis" was that Mr Gibson had "intentionally taken his own life or died as a result of misadventure.”

Dr Shaw said it was an "unusual case" and that "Cumbria Police had exhausted all lines of inquiry" in the search.

Mr Gibson, of Little Clifton, near Workington had recently been in police custody, the inquest opening was told.

When his wife returned home on 30 March 2023 she found a note which said “love you all very much”.

A coroner's court heard that Mr Gibson is presumed to have died in the area of Ennerdale Water in Cumbria

Dr Shaw told the hearing that despite "extensive searches" in the area and in the water Mr Gibson's body has not been recovered.

"There has been no sign or evidence of life in terms of phone or bank cards used since he went missing," he added.

"The working hypothesis is that he attended Ennerdale lake and, due to circumstances relating to a ongoing police investigation, has intentionally taken his own life or died as a result of misadventure.”

At the time he went missing, it is believed Mr Gibson was wearing a black puffer-style jacket, a black T-shirt, blue jeans and beige UGG boots.

A provisional date for the inquest has been set for 1 August 2024.