Cory Chilvers drowned in Wiggenhall St Germans after capsizing during first time using kayak, inquest hears
An 18-year-old died in a “tragic accident” after the kayak he received as a gift from his father capsized, an inquest has heard.
Cory Chilvers died after falling into the water at St Germans in July last year, triggering an extensive emergency services response which was ultimately unable to save his life.
His family has since set up a charity in his memory, calling for more strategically placed signs and life aids as they believe Cory was trapped by reeds in the river.
Today, an inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court found that the teenager’s death was an accident, as a result of drowning.
A heartbreaking statement from Cory’s fiancée was read aloud, detailing the moment she witnessed the kayak capsize.
He had received the vessel as a gift from his biological father during a trip to Great Yarmouth just days before, and this had been his first time using it.
He sailed along the Main Drain off Sluice Road for around 20 minutes as his fiancée and a friend watched on, before coming ashore and phoning his mother to ask her to come and watch him.
His fiancee’s statement said he joked that he was going to “try out for the Olympics” due to how confident he felt.
Cory then reentered the kayak and sailed in the direction of the St Germans Pumping Station, asking his fiancée to race him from along the road.
It was soon after that when, out of the corner of her eye, she witnessed the kayak “completely capsize” and Cory become submerged in the water.
When he re-emerged, he did not immediately respond to queries for assistance - but he quickly began to shout for help.
Both his fiancée and friend gave evidence that he did not appear to be struggling, and was not splashing or waving.
Cory then disappeared under the water again and did not come back up. When his body was later recovered, he was in an upright standing position.
A statement at today’s inquest from his mother, Claire Wadham, said: “Cory was a very good swimmer, but as he got older his swimming ability dropped.
“He was still very physically fit.”
Cory, who lived in St Clement, had been undergoing investigations due to heart palpitations, but a post-mortem examination confirmed these issues had no impact on his death.
He had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time.
Area coroner Samantha Goward said: “It seems clear that Cory was initially doing quite well on the kayak.
“Based on everything I have heard, it is a tragic accident.”
She added that, upon hearing Ms Wadham’s concerns over a lack of warning signs in the area, she may have to consider a Prevention of Future Deaths report.
The inquest heard that Ms Wadham phoned her husband when Cory vanished under the water. Upon arriving at the river, he entered the water himself in an attempt to find him.
When emergency services arrived, it took three people to pull him from the reeds. It took several days to locate Cory’s body.
Dive teams with sonar capabilities, specialist dogs, the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Lowland Search and Rescue were among those searching for him.
A statement from Cory’s family following his death said: "We would like to pay tribute to our son, our first heartbeat, Adam's big brother, Brianna's love, grandson, nephew, cousin and to our friend Cory Chilvers, who we lost tragically on July 28.
“We will always remember him as a kind, loving, funny and thoughtful man who was dedicated to his family, Brianna and his animal family; Alma, horse DeeDee, dog Nylah and cat Sooty.
“He was a great friend to so many and touched the lives of many more. He will be forever missed by all who knew him.”