Inquest Rules Drowning of Cory Chilvers Accidental

Cory Chilvers, an 18-year-old, tragically drowned after his kayak capsized while paddling for the first time on the Middle Level Drain near King's Lynn, Norfolk. Witnesses, including his fiancée Brianna Webster, reported that he was not wearing a lifejacket and briefly called for help before disappearing underwater. Emergency services conducted a major search, recovering his body four days later. The inquest concluded that his death was an accidental drowning, with post-mortem results confirming he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Cory's mother, Claire Wadham, highlighted the absence of safety signs or life aids in the area, advocating for improvements through a charity she established in his memory. She stated that had there been adequate safety measures, the outcome might have been different, as local drainage boards had been advised to install such signage years earlier.