A FORMER BBC editor died after falling into a river following a New Year’s Eve meal out with his wife, an inquest heard.
Aled Glynne Davies, 65, was reported missing by his worried family after heading for a late night walk along the River Taff in Cardiff, Wales.
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The dad-of-two was discovered four days later after a huge search involving more than 400 people.
An inquest heard Aled was alive when he entered the water and died from “dry drowning”, which causes someone to go into cardiac arrest and die suddenly before their lungs fill with water.
Coroner Kate Robertson concluded he fell into the river while urinating as the zip on his trousers was open.
The court was told Aled had been out for dinner with his wife Afryl on New Year’s Eve when the pair headed home together.
Aled, who was an editor of BBC Radio Cymru, popped out for a walk just before midnight but was not seen again.
Police found his body two miles away near Cardiff Sailing Club at around 9.40am on January 4.
His widow Afryl told the inquest her husband did not feel depressed and was very familiar with the park by the river.
She said it was unusual for Aled to go out so late at night but he had been positive at dinner and was looking forward to their son’s wedding.
Afryl added: “He had taken his house keys. That proved to me that he intended to come home that night.
“He was afraid of water and felt the cold terribly.”
Dr Meleri Morgan, a pathologist at the University Hospital of Wales, told the inquest Aled was alive when he entered the water.
The medic also said Aled was not over the drink-drive limit so alcohol “would not have had an effect on how he thought and behaved”.
At the time of his death, son Gruffudd Glyn said: “We are heartbroken to announce that Dad was discovered in the river this morning.
“Thank you so much for all your efforts.
“Now it’s time for us all to relax. Let us all celebrate Dad’s life.”
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