Swindon Footballer's death in River Thames accidental, rules coroner
William Coker was just 23 when he died in July after getting into difficulty in the water in Oxfordshire
Last updated 23rd Oct 2025
An inquest into the death of a Swindon footballer who drowned in the River Thames has concluded his death was accidental.
William Coker, who played for Calne Town and Highworth Town, was just 23 when he died after getting into difficulty in the water in Oxfordshire in July.
His body was found in the water at Buscot Lock near Faringdon on July 13 after a search which lasted more than 12 hours.
Today (October 23) Oxford Coroner's Court heard how on July 12 William Coker was enjoying the summer weather by swimming with friends when he got into difficulty and a strong current took him under the water
The group immediately called 999 and police, ambulance and search teams arrived at the scene.
Searches continued the following morning, and Mr Coker's body was found at Buscot Lock near Faringdon.
Coroner Nicholas Graham ruled there was no evidence of any suspicious circumstances or third party involvement.
Mr Graham added the medical cause of death had been recorded as drowning and his date of death was July 12 2025.
The hearing also heard there were no warning signs along the river about the potential dangers of entering the water.
Mr Coker was a footballer for Highworth Town FC in Swindon and was part of the reserve team at Calne Town in Wiltshire.
In a statement following his death he was described by the manager of Highworth Town FC Paul Braithwaite as a "super polite and respectful lad who loved football so much."
Calne Town also issued a statement and said he had been taken "far to early" and "was liked by everyone."