Inquest held into death of Robert McAdam, 28, of King's Lynn

Robert McAdam had been reported missing more than two weeks before his body was found, prompting a major police search operation.

An inquest into his death was told he was last seen on CCTV in King's Lynn at around 3.30am on October 28 having spent the previous evening with friends.

His body was discovered close to the last sighting, in a stretch of the River Nar, running parallel to Nar Ouse Way and off Sandpiper Way on November 15. 

Evidence read out at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that Mr McAdam had mental ill health, including depression and anxiety.  

He also suffered from drug and alcohol abuse but had been actively engaged in getting support from services including the NHS Wellbeing Service and Change Grow Live. 

Before leaving his friend’s house at around 3am on October 28, he was described as being “in good spirits” despite not telling anyone he was leaving.

Jacqueline Lake, senior coroner for Norfolk, said there was insufficient evidence to suggest he had taken his own life.

She said: “There is evidence that Robert was having difficulties at the time of his death. 

“However, he had consumed alcohol and taken cocaine, both of which will have affected his ability to form any intention. 

"Further, there is no evidence as to how he came to be in the water.  

“He may not have intended to go into the waterway. He may have slipped, for instance, especially as he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” 

The medical cause of death was drowning, with cocaine and alcohol mixed toxicity listed as a significant contributing factor.  

Concluding, Mrs Lake added: “Robert McAdam drowned. The evidence does not reveal how he came to be in the water.” 

A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE 

Robert McAdam, who was born on August 28, 1995, in Bridgend in South Wales, lived in Castle Road in Wormegay near King's Lynn.

His father, Andrew McAdam, paid tribute to the dad-of-two. 

He said: “Robert was a very funny person, so polite, and considerate. 

“He was the life and soul of the party and, when he was sober, he was a brilliant person. 

“He was so kind and caring and thought the world of his family.” 

Mr McAdam Snr also described his son's early childhood and said that he loved going to Scouts as a youngster. 

"He was like any other child with the only difference being that he had a twin.

“He was very outgoing and had lots of friends."  

He went on to display a methodical ability to work with technology and fix electronics.  

'JEKYLL AND HYDE’ 

Mr McAdam Snr went on to describe a system of “kicking a can down the road” when it came to getting appropriate help for his son. 

He added: “Everyone who loved Robert tried so hard to help him get better, but the help was just not there.  

“He was trying to get the support he needed but he was being turned away at any help he tried to get. It felt like I couldn’t get help for him anywhere – it was dreadful.”  

He continued: “When Robert was sober, he was empathetic.  

“It was only when he was under the influence of something, that's when the darkness took over. 

“His personality totally altered, and he was like Jekyll and Hyde.”  

• Do you need support? Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 on 116 123. The NHS First Response Service can be reached on 111 selecting option 2.   
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