An inquest has formally been opened in the case of a missing West Cumbria man whose body has not yet been found despite extensive searches by police and specialist rescuers.
Benedict Gibson, 34, known as Ben, was last seen at around 6.30pm in the Workington area on March 30 2023.
Cockermouth Coroners’ Court heard this morning that Mr Gibson was presumed to have died on or around the following day in an area around Ennerdale Water.
“This is a somewhat unusual case in that there has been no body discovered,” said Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria, during a short hearing.
“His motor car was found in that area, I believe.”
Mr Gibson, of Little Clifton, near Workington — described as being 5ft 9in tall of large build — had recently been in police custody, the inquest opening was told.
When his wife returned home on March 30 she had found a note which read “love you all very much”.
Dr Shaw said: “Despite extensive searches in the area, both above and below water, his body has not been found. There has been no sign or evidence of life in terms of phone use, bank cards, etc, since he went missing.
“Cumbria police have exhausted all lines of enquiry. 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.”
Mr Gibson had been missing for 15 months and, said Dr Shaw, at this stage nothing further can be done.
“For this reason we are opening an inquest into the case which will be heard at a provisional date of August 1,” he added.
Police who had issued a public appeal for information in a bid to trace Mr Gibson asked people to keep an eye out for him while walking on fells and around lakes. Officers, along with search and rescue specialists using trained dogs and technology, had been helped by members of the public as they looked for him.
It is believed he was wearing a black puffer-style jacket, a black T-shirt, blue jeans and beige Ugg boots.
