Inquest into man found dead near Sainsbury's, Maidstone, opens
11:18, 22 July 2019
updated: 11:52, 22 July 2019
An inquest has opened into the death of a man who was found dead in woodland near a Sainsbury's supermarket.
Police were called out to the Romney Place, Maidstone supermarket last Tuesday, where the body of Sammy Oliver Draper was found.
The 43-year-old was found dead by a member of the public passing through woodland, an inquest heard today.
Assistant coroner Bina Patel said: "I understand the circumstances to be a member of the public went to walk through woodland and found Sammy deceased near the riverside.
"He subsequently called police and a PCSO was the first on the scene."
CPR was performed but the builder was pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary cause of death found Mr Draper died as a result of hanging.
Family paid tribute to the son, father and grandfather last week.
His daughter Abbie, 25, said: "He was just the most wonderful dad who always bubbly and always had a smile on his face.
"He'd help absolutely anyone he could - if he only had 50p on him but somebody else needed it, he'd give it to them and leave himself with nothing."
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