MEDICAL experts have been unable to determine how a beloved husband died following a post mortem examination.
Widespread efforts were made to locate father-of-two Christopher Scales after he was reported missing from his Colchester home on February 1.
He had suddenly left his family home at about 9.15pm, leaving behind his mobile phone and wedding ring.
Tragically, the 41-year-old was found almost six months later on July 26 after a police underwater search team discovered his body in Distillery Pond, in Colchester’s Hythe, shortly after 5pm.
Essex Coroner’s Court heard today a post mortem held at Colchester Hospital was unable to ascertain the cause of his death due to his body being decomposed.
Essex Police is treating Christopher’s death as unexplained but not suspicious, the court heard.
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Area Coroner Michelle Brown stated she wants to check if the father was known to mental health services at the time he went missing.
She pencilled in a provisional date for the inquest to reopen on November 7.
Following the Arsenal fan’s disappearance, his wife, Emma, and children Harry, 20, and Lily, 16, did not hear from him.
Since the news of his death, Emma said it felt like closure after months of heartbreaking unanswered questions.
“I have got him back – I thought we would never find him,” said the 48-year-old, who left flowers, touching tribute messages and a family photo near to where he was discovered.
Harry wrote: “Thank you for being the best dad ever, I promise I will make it for you”, while Lily said: “I will miss you forever, like the stars miss the sun in the morning sky.”
Emma also paid tribute to her husband, who she married on Valentine’s Day 22 years ago.
She said: “I miss you with all my heart. I love you to the moon and stars and back. Rest in peace.”
A fundraiser launched to cover the costs of Christopher’s funeral subsequently secured £4,500 after almost 200 people donated.
Thanking those who have helped her, Emma added: "All of their kind words and support have literally got me through what I can only describe as the worst time of my life.”
To donate visit tinyurl.com/2s43dxhs.
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