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Inquest into man found dead near Sainsbury's, Maidstone, opens

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.

Sammy Draper and his three grandchildren (13926835)
Sammy Draper and his three grandchildren (13926835)

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.

A bouquet of flowers and can of Gordon's gin was left in memory of Sammy Draper (13924466)
A bouquet of flowers and can of Gordon's gin was left in memory of Sammy Draper (13924466)

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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