THE DEATH of a Llandrindod teenager who went missing after a night out in Bath was an accident, a coroner has said.
James Bubear, 19, from Llandrindod was last seen on CCTV footage, walking along James Street West in the city, on March 13 this year.
James’ body was found in the River Avon on April 4.
An inquest in Flax Bourton, Bristol, heard that he had been drinking on the night he went missing and was asked to leave the bar he was in.
James, who was studying at Bath Spa University, was last seen by friends when he left a fancy dress party at the Revolution bar in George Street.
Personal items, including his mobile phone and passport, were found by a street cleaner on James Street West the day after he disappeared.
Despite an extensive search of the river, James’ body was not discovered until the following month by a worker from the Environment Agency. He had drowned.
Coroner Maria Voisin said it was suspicious that James did not take his usual route home to his student housing at Waterside Court, but recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Following his disappearance, friends and family as well as hundreds of people from Bath lined the streets of the city, putting up posters and marching in an effort to raise awareness of James’ disappearance.
A memorial service held at Holy Trinity Church near his home was attended by dozens of residents, friends and family who described him as a wonderful brother, son and friend.