Death near Abingdon at river lock car park ‘not suspicious’

Residents were shocked to learn of the man’s death near Culham Lock earlier this month.

The man in his 50s died on Tollgate Road, Culham, on Monday, April 6, police confirmed on Wednesday, April 8.

READ MORE: Culham residents shocked by man’s death

Thames Valley Police officers were called to a ‘fear for welfare’ incident at about 4.35am on Easter Monday, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesman for the force said on Monday: “There are no updates on this incident.”

Police cordons blocked entry to Culham Lock car park on the River Thames for most of the day on Easter Monday, with a heavy police presence and a blue tent erected in the car park.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We were called at around 4.35am on Monday, April 6, to Tollgate Road, following reports of a concern for welfare.

“Emergency services attended but sadly a man aged in his 50s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“His death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“His family have been informed and are being supported.”

Police confirmed the man was found in a vehicle, not in the water, and a black four-by-four vehicle was later recovered from the scene.

Sam Casey-Rerhaye (Image: SODC)

Sam Casey-Rerhaye, South Oxfordshire district councillor and a Culham parish councillor, said: “It’s really very sad news and the residents are very shocked and saddened to hear about it. The area is well used for access to the river and walks.  

“I and my fellow parish councillors send our condolences to his friends and family.”

One woman who lives in Culham, but did not want to be named, said it was “frightening” to see such a large police incident in what was usually a quiet village.

She said there were a lot of locals stood around staring, and the lock keeper was stood “with his hands on his head”.

A blue tent at the car park at Culham Lock (Image: Contributed)

The eyewitness added that not knowing the nature of the incident initially left local people worried. Thames Valley Police issued a statement on April 8.

She added: “It is such a beautiful public area we use and walk around every day, and now it is making us not want to go down there out of fear of what might occur. 

“It has been extremely distressing to my younger sister who couldn’t sleep last night due to being worried and having full sight of what happened.

“When I was walking down, there was full visibility of the scene and police stood around.

“While I understand it is another day on the job for them, it was very distressing to locals who of course rarely if ever experience something like this in somewhere like Culham.”

Culham Lock is managed by the Environment Agency and dates back to 1809.