An inquest revealed Gareth Evans likely fell from his houseboat in Tilehurst, drowning in the Thames. Alcohol was a factor.
A coroner spoke about the case and stated they think Gareth fell overboard, likely at night, and was probably intoxicated. He was 63 years old at the time.
People in Caversham wanted to help and commenced searching for the missing man, with dog walkers, cyclists, and joggers all joining the effort. They started at Caversham Rowing Club and looked all over the village on October 19th but couldn’t find him.
Police found a body a week later and believed it to be Gareth. They sent a file to the coroner’s office in Berkshire.
Hannah Godfrey, the area coroner, confirmed Mr. Evans was found 1.5km downstream at Appletree Eyot, an island in the Thames.
Ms. Godfrey shared more details: Mr. Evans lived alone on his houseboat near Tilehurst Railway Station. He was found on October 26, 2024.
She thinks he fell off the boat between October 15 and 16, 2024, and likely drowned in the river. Alcohol was a factor.
Gareth Evans was born in Totnes, Devon, and worked as a general labourer, according to his inquest record.
People left tributes for Mr. Evans in the Reading Chronicle, calling him ‘kind and generous’, and many honored him.
Kat Sloan wrote a message of support, expressing her sorrow for the sad loss, thanking those who searched for Gareth, and stating her belief that he was a good man.
Steve Wallis also shared his feelings, noting he knew Gareth from river walks where they talked about Wales, his homeland, and Ireland. He shared that walks feel more lonely now.
Tributes called Mr. Evans a ‘legend’, saying he will be missed and never forgotten.