A BURNHAM man who brought “light, laughter, and love to everyone who had the joy of knowing him” is believed to have drowned while travelling in the Caribbean.
Christian Woodroffe, 22, had flown out to Costa Rica in December last year but lost contact with his family on Monday, March 3.
An inquest opened at Essex Coroner’s Court on Friday heard a body was discovered 12 days later on the beach close to where he was staying in the Limón province.
The coroner said his family flew to the Caribbean and DNA analysis confirmed the body was Mr Woodroffe.
A fundraiser set up in his memory has raised more than £13,000 since it was launched in May.
In a tribute from his family, Mr Woodroffe was described as “a man grounded in his beliefs”.
It read: “We are deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news following the passing of Christian Woodroffe.
“Tragically, Christian drowned whilst travelling in Costa Rica.
“We are doing all we can to bring him home to the UK, where he can be laid to rest, surrounded by his family, friends, and all those who loved him dearly.
“These circumstances are incredibly difficult, and we hope that you understand how uncertain things can be.
“Christian brought light, laughter, and love to everyone who had the joy of knowing him.
“His kind heart, adventurous spirit, and warm smile touched more lives than we can count.
“Even in his short time with us, he made a lasting impact that will never fade.
“Those who knew him recognised how rare he truly was – a man grounded in his beliefs, deeply connected to the universe, humble in spirit, and capable of transforming raw materials into something special.”
It continued: “Christian, we love you endlessly.
“You will always be with us - in our memories, in our hearts, and in the stories we share.
“Thank you for being our brightest light.
“Rest easy, superstar – your light will never fade.”
The coroner said a post-mortem was conducted and a provisional cause of death was given as asphyxia, and submersion asphyxia.
A documentary inquest is expected to be held later this year.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the Woodroffe family's GoFundMe can do so via tinyurl.com/mtaby2ws.
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