A HEARTBROKEN woman whose dad was found dead in the River Chelmer has spoken of her pain as she waits for answers about his death.

The inquest of George Mason, 82, who died last October, was due to finish earlier this week, but has been adjourned until next Friday.

Mr Mason was found in the river, near Chelmer Village Way, after he walked out of Admirals Reach Residential and Nursing Home, in Ridgewell Avenue, Chelmsford.

His only daughter, Amanda Malin, from Maldon, said: “I believe this was an avoidable, tragic event that should not have happened.”

Mr Mason was diagnosed with dementia in 2010. He was placed at Totham Lodge Residential Care Home, Maldon, but transferred to a secure unit for residents at Admirals on October 11, 2013.

On October 19, he left and his bodywas found the next day by a man in a canoe.

Mrs Malin said: “Although dad had dementia, he had a good quality of life, making friends and we enjoyed our time together. I am devastated and feel deprived of someone I love very much.”

Bupa, which manages the home, has launched an internal investigation.