A 'fit and healthy' Oxford man died after drowning in the River Thames following a recent bout of depression, an inquest has heard. 

Martin Shepherd, of Deanfield Road, was found dead in the river on April 24 at Longbridges Nature Park following a two-week search. 

The inquest, held at Oxford's County Hall on Monday (September 23) heard that Mr Shepherd, 77, had entered the water at East Street near Osney Mead on Tuesday, April 9. 

Several people saw him, however his body was missing for two weeks. It was found by a group of kayakers after a multi-agency operation on Wednesday, April 24.

The coroners' court heard that his medical cause of death had been provided as drowning.

No family were present at the hearing, so area coroner Nicholas Graham read out a series of statements. 

READ MORE: Missing man found dead in River Thames named by coroner

The river search (Image: NQ) Mauricio Rios, saw Mr Shepherd from his window in East Street.

His statement said: “I saw a man walking down the towpath. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"I then heard a big splash which got my attention and I saw the male fall into the water.

"One moment he was there, and the next he was in the water. I didn't know what to think. The whole incident happened very quickly.”

A statement from another witness, Heather McGill, said: “I noticed a man step into the water. The speed of the flow was very fast. I didn't see where he went.”

Dale Ryan, a construction worker who tried to help Mr Shepherd, also provided a statement which said: “I saw a head floating above the water. I asked if he had fallen in and he said yes. 

“He was very calm. He didn't appear to be trying to get help.”

On April 9, Mr Shepherd had been due to attend an appointment at the Warneford Hospital in Headington. 

Psychologist Pamina Mitter's statement said that Mr Shepherd had been in a low mood and had been referred to the mental health team. 

Summing up the case, Mr Graham said: “This is a tragic case involving the death of Martin Shepherd. He had been a fit and healthy man with an active social life.

"He had developed a number of physical health problems which led to anxiety and depression.”

The coroner gave a cause of death as suicide and said: “He entered the water of his own free will with the intention of ending his own life.”

Mr Graham offered his condolences to Mr Shepherd's family and friends. 

The Samaritans helpline can be contacted on 116 123 and is available 24/7.