Man, 22, drowned fleeing party attack
HE WAS FOUND IN RIVER AFTER LEAVING DO WHERE HE WAS PUNCHED
A ‘FUN-loving’ young man drowned in the River Irwell after fleeing a New Year’s Eve house party where was he attacked, an inquest heard.
The body of Steven Dyson was discovered in the water in the Summerseat area of Ramsbottom, Bury, on January 6 following a six-day search. The 22-year-old was reported missing after he failed to return home following a New Year’s Eve party.
An inquest into Steven’s death at Rochdale Coroners’ Court heard that on December 31, after finishing work at House of Fraser in Manchester, the retail assistant arrived home and started to get ready for the party.
Steven was described as being in ‘good spirits.’
It is believed he went out in Ramsbottom with a friend, before being invited to a house party nearby.
The court heard that Steven was punched in the face during an altercation outside the property on St Andrew’s Close. It is believed he then fled in fear and made his way to a footpath, which runs alongside the River Irwell, in what were described as ‘treacherous’ conditions.
The inquest was told Steven had been drinking and had taken cocaine, which medical professionals say may have affected his judgement. He may also have been suffering from mild concussion following the assault, the court heard.
Coroner Joanne Kearsley said it was impossible to say for sure how Steven ended up in the water.
Det Insp John Stainton said: “It is believed he was punched to the face and as a result of that has run off appearing extremely scared.”
Pathologist Dr Charles Wilson concluded that Steven had died as a result of drowning. He said: “The punch did not cause his death.
“It is a theoretical possibility that concussion from the punch could have caused him to lose his balance, but we have other reasons for this as well.”
Toxicology showed Steven had 130 micrograms of alcohol in his blood, but it is possible the alcohol could have been higher at the time of his death, the court heard.
He had taken ‘recreational levels’ of cocaine, which can lead to risk taking behaviour and loss of judgement, the hearing was told. Coroner Ms Kearsley recorded an open conclusion.
In an emotional tribute following the hearing, Steven’s mother said: “The conclusion is the one we wanted from the outset.
“I don’t believe his death was of his choosing, but as a result of the assault at the party. Steven was really outgoing and fun-loving. He was a very loyal friend and would never had left a friend at a party unless he was running scared.
“I was astounded by the support from the community. The first morning the search was organised I just crumbled at the support. I will never be to repay them.”
A criminal investigation into the assault that took place at the party is ongoing, police said.