Open verdict on Casper Flagg river death in Bath
An open verdict has been recorded at an inquest into the death of a man whose disappearance prompted an online campaign supported by thousands.
Graphic designer Casper Flagg, 28, from Radstock in Somerset, was last seen leaving a nightclub in Bath in the early hours of 29 November 2009.
Mr Flagg's body was recovered from the River Avon at Twerton in Bath on 26 December.
More than 32,000 people had joined a Facebook group set up to find him.
The alarm was raised after Mr Flagg, who worked in Melksham, Wiltshire, failed to turn up for his mother's birthday meal, and for work the following Monday.
He was last seen leaving Moles nightclub alone after spending the night drinking with friends
Police launched a huge search and his family and friends put up hundreds of posters.
They also took part in a walk tracing his last known movements.
A statement was read out by Det Insp Andy Gwyther on behalf of Mr Flagg's parents Marian and Derek after the inquest at the coroner's court at Flax Bourton, near Bristol.
The statement said: "We have to live with the tragic loss of our lovely son who was taken in the prime of his life.
"If anything can be learned from this it is to look after your friends and stay together when you are out.
"We would like to thank everyone, the public - the help from Facebook and Casper's friends - for all they support they have given us in the search for Casper."