An inquest has been formally opened into the death of a Carlisle pensioner whose sudden disappearance sparked a public appeal information and several days of searches.
Thomas Jardine, an 82-year-old father and grandfather, was reported missing from his home on August 25 having been last seen the previous day. Relatives raised the alarm by calling police at around 2pm.
Opening an inquest into Mr Jardine’s death this morning, assistant coroner Robert Cohen said of the relative: “She went to his address, she found a note, the house was messy. A high risk missing person investigation was launched.
“A family liaison officer was appointed but that was not because of there being any criminal investigation.”
The note was reported to have suggested former wagon driver Mr Jardine had suffered a panic attack.
A public appeal for information was launched by Cumbria police and rescue service personnel from across Cumbria, and was widely shared online. Officers and specialist search team members, including dog handlers, mounted searches in and around the Denton Holme area where he lived, and further afield.
Sadly, Mr Jardine’s body was recovered from the river Eden in the Sheepmount area of Carlisle on September 4.
In a statement in relation to the formal identification of her father, daughter Deborah Jardine said she had been presented with two items which had also been recovered.
“The items are a set of keys and a leather watch strap,” she said. “I can confirm that both items belonged to my father, Thomas Jardine, I recognise the set of keys, the keys to his flat. I recognise the watch as his as I purchased it for him approximately 18 months ago.
“The watch I purchased had ‘love you dad’ engraved on the back. The watch exhibited has this engraved on the back. This is my father’s watch.”
Mr Cohen concluded that in the circumstances it was appropriate to open an inquest into the death of Mr Jardine.
The hearing was adjourned to a preliminary date of February 21.
