Man found dead near Oxford city centre church named for the first time

A number of emergency vehicles turned up on Oxford High Street, outside the church and the Radcliffe Camera, at around 10.10am on Tuesday, March 10.

Thames Valley Police later confirmed that a man in his 50s had died after a ‘fear for welfare’ incident.

Local people reported at least three police cars, an ambulance and a forensics team.

Cordons were put in place on the entrances to Catte Street and St Mary’s Passage, either side of the city centre church, and on paths by the Radcliffe Camera at the back of the church on Radcliffe Square.

The man has been named as Russell Bretherton, 52, who lived in Oxford.

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Police at the scene at University Church of St Mary the Virgin (Image: NQ)

An inquest was opened into Mr Bretherton’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on March 25 by senior coroner Darren Salter.

The inquest record confirmed he died in the vicinity of St Mary the Virgin Church and that his cause of death was ‘massive trauma’.

A full inquest will be held into Mr Bretherton’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on June 30 at 2pm.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson previously said: “We were called at around 10.10am today (March 10) following reports of a fear for welfare in High Street, Oxford.

“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.”

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin previously paid tribute to Mr Bretherton.

In statement issued on Friday, March 13, a spokesperson for the church said: “We are deeply saddened that a member of the public died outside the church.

“We are grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and are supporting those affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the person’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”

On the Oxford Mail’s Book of Condolence, others also said their thoughts were with the man’s family and friends.

Hugh Mackay said: “So sad, condolences to family and friends.”

Joanna, who did not disclose her surname, said: “Sending so much love to all his family and friends.”

Lindsay McEwen turned up at the scene having received a message on his phone that it was somebody he knew from The Porch, a centre for homeless and vulnerably housed people.

The 63-year-old said: “I was shocked to be honest with you. I’m still taking it all in.”

Guy Scotece, the charity director at The Porch, did not confirm or deny that the man attended the centre.

He said: “It goes without saying, this is incredibly sad news and our thoughts and prayers go out to all friends and family.”