Inquest opens into death of man found at Weymouth Beach

Bournemouth Coroner’s Court heard how the body of William Edward Beavis was found in the sea near Weymouth Pavilion last week.

His medical cause of death was confirmed by a post-mortem examination to be drowning - and the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Dorset Coroner’s Officer, Nichola Muller told the short hearing yesterday: “A member of the public located an unresponsive male in the sea. Shortly after he was confirmed deceased and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”

Ms Muller added that police were able to identify Mr Beavis by photographic identification which was found with him at the scene.

The hearing, presided over by Area Coroner Mr Brendan Allen, heard that Mr Beavis was born in Dorchester and previously lived at an address in Taunton.

Samples have been taken for further analysis and Mr Allen has asked for notes from Mr Beavis’ family, GP, any local support services if he was involved, as well as the police for the continuation of the inquest.

A full inquest will be held at a later date.

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After Mr Beavis' body was discovered, on July 15, Weymouth Beach was cordoned off into the afternoon, before re-opening at about 5pm.

Numerous police officers, ambulance staff and coastguards could be seen on Weymouth Beach throughout the day - with a waist-high privacy screen set up near the water’s edge.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police previously said: "Dorset Police received a report at 10.46am on Monday 15 July 2024 that a body of a man aged in his 20s had been found in the water near Weymouth Pavilion.

"Emergency services attended, and a cordon is in place while enquiries are carried out to establish the full circumstances of the death.

"The man’s family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time."