A TRIBUTE has been paid to a characterful Cheshire man who died after falling from Mersey Gateway Bridge.

An inquest has been opened by a coroner into the death of Andrew Bent, of Great Sankey, who died on the River Mersey crossing between Runcorn and Widnes.

The incident occurred on the Wigg Island side of the structure on January 27, with the 39-year-old from Warrington sadly being pronounced dead.

His inquest was formally opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, before being adjourned to later this year.

A coroner officer stated that the reason for an inquest being requested was due to an ‘unnatural’ cause of death being identified following a post-mortem examination.

Mr Bent’s identification was confirmed by a police fingerprint expert on January 30, the court heard.

After hearing the brief circumstances of the death, Elizabeth Wheeler, assistant coroner for Cheshire, said: “On the evidence I have heard, I am satisfied that the case of Andrew Bent requires an inquest.

“I therefore open and adjourn the inquest, which will be heard on July 22.”

He worked for United Utilities as a day job and was also chair of trustees at Omega Multi-Academy Trust, vice-chair at Great Sankey Primary School, a national leader of governance and Scout leader.

A tribute was paid to him by a friend who said: “Andy was such a character, appeared to have so much going for him and had recently got engaged.

Andrew Bent died during an incident on Mersey Gateway Bridge. Picture: Google Maps

Andrew Bent died during an incident on Mersey Gateway Bridge. Picture: Google Maps

“He was featured in the Warrington Guardian back in 2014 when he had a starring role in the BBC programme on United Utilities called Watermen: A Dirty Business.

“Andy was so active with the Scouts and as a trustee for Great Sankey High School.

“This has come out of the blue – no one had any notion he was in such a bad place. His colleagues are in shock at United Utilities who are being offered counselling.”

Watermen: A Dirty Business documented the ups and downs of life working at north west water company United Utilities, based in Great Sankey.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian back in 2014, the former St Gregory’s High School pupil said: “It was an experience. Never in a million years did I think I would be filmed for a programme like this.”

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended the incident on Mersey Gateway Bridge on January 27, which was closed for a period.

Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service were present at the scene at around 12.30pm.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said at the time: “At 12.27pm on Saturday, January 27, officers were called to concerns for the safety of a man on the Mersey Gateway Bridge, Widnes.

“Officers attended the scene where a 39-year-old man was found dead.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.”