Canoeist died after trapping leg

The outdoors was both a job and a hobby for David Thorne

An outdoor pursuits instructor may have drowned after getting his leg tangled in a rope, an inquest has heard.

David Thorne, 49, of Talybont-on-Usk, in Powys, got into difficulties while with a friend on the River Lune near Sedbergh in Cumbria on 3 January.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded on the father-of-two.

His friend Justin Tracey, told the hearing that the 16-foot long open canoe capsized as they headed for the side of the river to empty it of water.

He passionately believed that outdoor experiences and adventures are there to be enjoyed Statement from family

He said he saw Mr Thorne looking comfortable in the water, but a few seconds later he had disappeared.

The canoe had become trapped nose down in the water and although Mr Tracey went into the water twice, he could not help.

Later one of Mr Thorne's boots was found tangled up in one of the canoe's ropes.

The coroner, Ian Smith, said Mr Thorne was an extremely experienced and well-equipped canoeist.

Massive search

He said: "This was not a question of someone getting into trouble because they didn't know what they were doing - it was an accident in the purest sense of the word."

A massive search and rescue operation was launched and Mr Thorne's body was recovered at nearby Treasonfield, near Barbon, the following day.

He is survived by his wife, Sue and children Andrew and Elen.

A statement released by the family at the time of his death said: "Dave died while enjoying himself canoeing in the Lake District with a much-loved friend, who did all he could to save him when their boat capsized.

"He passionately believed that outdoor experiences and adventures are there to be enjoyed."