In a recent inquest, the cause of death for Timothy Hatcher, a 69-year-old man found unresponsive in a river after an extensive missing person investigation, remains uncertain.
Timothy Hatcher’s Disappearance and Search Efforts
Timothy Hatcher went missing on December 20 last year from Chelmsford, sparking a widespread search effort. Suffering from dementia, he relied on daily support from caregivers. The last sighting of Mr. Hatcher was captured on CCTV on the evening of December 18 outside Aldi in Parkway. The subsequent missing person investigation by Essex Police involved approximately 400 hours of searching, covering five kilometers of land and a four-kilometer stretch along the River Chelmer.
Discovery and Police Assessment
Tragically, Mr. Hatcher’s body was discovered almost five months later on Sunday, May 14, after a member of the public reported seeing a partially submerged body in the River Chelmer near Ricketts Lock. Essex Police, however, have not classified his death as suspicious.
Inquest and Cause of Death
During the inquest on Tuesday, Area Coroner Michelle Brown declared the cause of Timothy Hatcher’s death as unascertained, citing the condition of his body.