THE identity of a man who was found dead in the river in Wallingford has been named by the coroners.
A man was found in the River Thames at Lower Wharf in Wallingford just before 12.50pm on Saturday, August 24.
Police officers confirmed that a man in his 40s was confirmed dead at the scene attended by Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
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At Oxford Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, September 3 an inquest was opened into the death of the man who has since been named as Rafal Wozniak.
He was a 46-year-old man who had no fixed abode at the time of his death.
The inquest opening heard that at 1.13pm, a nurse verified his death after he was found unresponsive in the river.
His cause of death, following a post-mortem examination, remains under investigation.
He is survived by his wife, Agnieszka Wozniak, a hotel cleaner.
At the time of his death, Thames Valley Police taped off the scene and closed the road as emergency services arrived at the riverside which was cordoned off until Sunday morning.
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A spokesperson for the force said at the time of the incident: "We were called following reports that the body of a man had been located near the Boat House.
"Very sadly, a man aged in his 40s was confirmed deceased at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
"The man’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.
"The thoughts of all of Thames Valley Police are with his family at this very difficult time.”
Following the news, tributes flooded in for the Mr Wozniak despite his name not been released locally or by police at the time.
Katharine Keats-Rohan, the Liberal Democrat county councillor for the Wallingford ward, said: “It is a tragedy and especially when it is somebody that isn’t very old.
"Our feelings are very much with the family and our heart goes out to them at such a sad time.
“It is always sad when such tragic things happen and these things do happen, but not regularly, I am happy to say but yes, it’s a really sad event.”
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An anonymous tribute left on the Oxford Mail read: “I know I’m a complete stranger but I just wanted to say that I am sending all my love to your family and friends.”
Over on Facebook, a woman wrote: “So very very sad. Thoughts with his family friends and those who dealt with the incident.”
A full inquest has been scheduled for January 15 at 11.30am.
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