The death of a much loved “son, brother and uncle” who fell into the River Croal in Bolton has been ruled as an accident.

Craig Aaron Hodkinson was only 33 years old when he was found dead in the river that runs through the centre of town last September.

Now an inquest into his death has concluded that the much-loved former Smithills School pupil’s death was accidental after leaving a friend’s house in Stone Cross House in the early hours of the morning.  

A ruling by coroner Stephen P Teasdale said: “He was in drink and mistakenly exited the flats at the rear which led into a secure car park.

“He was unable to get back into the flats to access the main entrance and climbed over the fence of the car park and fell into the River Croal, sustaining unsurvivable injuries.”

The Bolton News: Tributes were paid after the tragic death of Craig HodkinsonTributes were paid after the tragic death of Craig Hodkinson (Image: Public)

An inquest held at Bolton Coroners Court on Monday January 15 ruled that Mr Hodkinson’s medical cause of death had been polytrauma, caused by his accidental fall into the river.

Mr Hodkinson had left his friend’s flat in the early hours of September 13 last year and was last reported to have been seen in the Churchgate area.

He was reported missing, sparking a police appeal for people who may have known his whereabouts to come forward.

But officers confirmed several days later that a body they had found in the River Croal at around 4.40pm on Sunday September 17.

Following the tragic discovery that Sunday, friends and family paid tribute to Mr Hodkinson.

His sister, Lisa Marie Hodkinson said: “He was a son, a brother and an uncle who was loved so much by all his family.

“He had many friends from all around Bolton. 

ALSO READ: Tributes paid to 'a beautiful soul who has been taken too young and too soon’

ALSO READ: Tragedy as police confirm missing man's body found in river

ALSO READ: Bolton Council issues statement over River Croal tragedies

“His friends, who were so close to him, will miss him so much, just as much as his family will.

“He was a brilliant lad who kept himself to himself.

“He just wanted to live, he was a Hodkinson through and through.

“He has gone too soon but now he is at peace, loving life, flying high above and looking down protecting us all.

“We love you so much.”