Man whose body was recovered from River Trent named as inquiries continue

A man whose body was recovered from the River Trent following an extensive search has been named. Raphael Coffie Abatey died aged 44 on Saturday, July 20 at Wilford Toll Bridge in Nottingham.

An inquest touching upon Mr Abatey's death was opened at Nottingham Coroner's Court on Monday, November 11. Nathanael Hartley, assistant coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, told the short hearing that a post-mortem examination has been carried out and drowning was given as a provisional cause of death.

Mr Hartley said: "In accordance to my statutory duty, I have now opened an inquest touching on Raphael's death and this hearing now stands adjourned for completion of further inquires and will be resumed for a final hearing on a date yet to be fixed. I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Raphael's family and friends in relation to their very sad loss."

Emergency services were called to Wilford Toll Bridge on the Victoria Embankment at around 2.15pm on July 20. This included officers from Nottinghamshire Police's dive team, other policing teams and crews from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

An air ambulance was also in attendance. Inspector Dan Buckle, of Nottinghamshire Police, previously said: "My thoughts are with this man’s family at this incredibly sad time.

"They are being supported by officers. Members of the emergency services who took part in the search yesterday should be commended for their professionalism." He added that the death was not being treated as suspicious.