A MAN who was found dead near Oxford has been identified as a well-known pensioner, who passed away during his morning walk.

Stephen Cox has been named as the man whose body was discovered in Kennington yesterday, prompting a major police presence and lengthy road closure.

The 63-year-old lived at Kirlena House Care Home in the village near Oxford, where he became a familiar face to residents due to his daily strolls down the road.

A touching tribute released by the home said Mr Cox 'enjoyed life' despite suffering from serious illness.

Paramedics were called to the body in Kennington Road shortly after 6am and brought in back-up from Thames Valley Police officers. 

Police spokesman Gareth Ford-Lloyd described the death as ‘unexplained but not suspicious’, and confirmed a file has been passed to the coroner.

Oxford Mail:

The cordon before it was extended to the end of Kenville Road

Kirlena House Care Home manager Kiran Audit said: "We were all shocked with his unexpected passing.

"Stephen enjoyed his daily walks in Kennington and was good friends with the care team and residents of Kirlena House.

"He remained active and enjoyed life despite living with terminal cancer in recent years.

"Stephen has no surviving relatives, but he will be lovingly remembered by the local Kennington neighbours, residents and care team at Kirlena House."

Kirlena House Care Home will host a private memorial service for Mr Cox on Friday, December 8 at 3pm.

It is understood Mr Cox was found in the road or on the pavement, although police have not confirmed this.

The discovery led to police shutting the stretch of the road, denying access to members of the public from 7.30am until 10am.

Emergency services guarded an area between Kenville Road and Upper Road, denying access to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

Oxford Bus Company had to divert services via Kenville Road and Edward Road.

Kennington residents have shared their condolences on social media, with several stating they often saw him walking around the village or having a cigarette outside.

One resident wrote on Facebook: "I know several people that have given him lifts when he has strayed too far. 

"God bless him, at least he died doing what he enjoyed."

One person described the news as 'heartbreaking', while another said they had known Mr Cox for years.

Oxfordshire county councillor Bob Johnston, who lives in Kennington Road, said he understood the man - now known to be Mr Cox - had been found in the road.

He added: "Police told me they cordoned off the road so they could minutely examine the area for potential evidence. They wouldn't say anything else."

Mumtaz Ahmed, who runs Best One shop in Kenville Road and lives in the village, said on Monday: "Everybody coming in kept asking 'what's happened, what's happened?' We didn't know.

"People seemed confused."

Oxford Mail:

South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said a paramedic team leader and ambulance was sent to deal with the incident, before the team passed the investigation to police. 

The location of the police cordon - pic. Google

Before the identity of Mr Cox was confirmed, residents shared sympathy online. 

One person wrote on Facebook: "Poor soul. Eternal rest for that person."

Another man, whose driveway was among those cordoned off in Kennington, added: "It's sad to hear of loss of life so close to home."

Oxford Mail:

Officers at the scene declined to comment further when approached by the Oxford Mail. 

An inquest date for Mr Cox has not yet been listed by Oxford Coroner's Court. 

Oxford Mail: