Aberystwyth University student Adam Dewulf-Peters drowned after coastal walk, inquest hears

An Aberystwyth University student who died after going for a coastal walk could have been in the sea for days before he was found, an inquest has heard.

Adam Dewulf-Peters, 20, was reported missing on January 25th.

Two days before, he had messaged friends on social media asking if anybody wanted to join him on a walk to Clarach Bay.

A large scale search operation was launched to find him, involving RNLI teams and the Coastguard. He was found in the early hours of Saturday 26th January and taken to Bronglais Hospital, where he later died.

An inquest at Aberystwyth Justice Centre said Mr Dewulf-Peters had died "as a result of drowning and multiple injuries."

Recording a verdict of misadventure, the Coroner said that while there was no clear evidence of how he made it into the water, it is more than probable that Mr Dewulf-Peters drowned, and that the injuries he sustained were a result of the waves and the high spring tides.

He said Mr Dewulf-Peters’ body “would have taken a hammering from the spring tides”, and would have more than likely been in the water for three days before he was found.

The Coroner eliminated the idea Mr Dewulf-Peters had been cut off by the tide.

The inquest heard from Mr Dewulf-Peters’ father, who said his son was an accomplished walker, but had been wearing “casual shoes with little grip”, when he was found.

The 20 year-old, originally from Norwich, had been studying international politics at Aberystwyth University.

He was described as happy, sociable and “popular with everyone”.

Since his death thousands of pounds has been raised to help those who tried to save him.

The Coroner offered his utmost sympathies to Mr Dewulf-Peters’ family, describing what happened as “a catastrophic blow”.