River plunge OAP 'did take his own life' (From The Oxford Times)

River plunge OAP 'did take his own life'

10:00am Friday 5th October 2012 in News

A CORONER has said a man, who died after his mobility scooter plunged into the Thames, took his own life.

Pensioner William Monk died in May when he drove his scooter from the towpath into the river by Abingdon Bridge.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter recorded the verdict at an inquest into the 76-year-old’s death on Tuesday. Former bus driver Mr Monk, of Lenthall Road, Abingdon, fell into the river at about 2.30pm on Saturday, May 19.

Mr Monk died at about 9pm the same day at Oxford’s John Radcliffe.

In May, Fluff Cummings, who runs the Kingcraft chandlery, told how he pulled Mr Monk from the water tried to resuscitate him.

He said it was the second time he had pulled Mr Monk from the water in the last year. Known as Bill the Busman, Mr Monk was a regular at the Harp pub in Stert Street.