An inquest has been opened into the death of a 19-year-old found dead near a canal basin last month. Tobias Mannering-Jones was found dead by a member of the public on February 21.
An inquest opening at South Manchester Coroners' Court this morning (March 16) heard that Mr Mannering-Jones, from Stalybridge, was found near Portland Basin Marina in Ashton-under-Lyne. Police Coroners Officer Chris Robinson told the court that the member of the public saw Mr Mannering-Jones and sought help from a narrow boat resident before calling the emergency services.
Police arrived at the scene around 5.35pm with paramedics also arriving and giving him CPR. However, Mr Mannering-Jones was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
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Assistant Coroner, Adrian Farrow, said that Mr Mannering-Jones had recently referred himself to social services and had been 'regularly' sleeping rough in Ashton. Mr Farrow added that Mr Mannering-Jones had a 'history of involvement' with the drugs and alcohol services. A toxicological report has not been returned to the coroner yet, so no cause of death could currently be given.
Mr Farrow adjourned the inquest for a full hearing to take place on July 13 of this year. He requested reports from his GP, as well as social services and the mental health services. Reports from the relevant drugs and alcohol teams plus the rough sleepers initiative was also requested by the coroner.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News after his death, friend Tia Mellor paid tribute to Tobias saying: "If he had a pound he'd give you 50p of it. He really cared, he would do anything for you. He was so open about everything, and it's just so sad.
"He was such a generous person. He used to come to my house and helped me clean and helped me with my son and helped us make food and do our washing," she said. "He touched a lot of lives, he really was such a caring person.
"He had a hard life, he had a lot going on, but he was really trying."
Many tributes were also paid to him on social media. One said: "He was beautiful inside and out, he had such a kind heart and soul and was too good for earth! This is not how your story should have ended Tobias, I will never forget you nor will I let your death be in vain! Rest in peace sweetheart."
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