The death of a former Salcombe resident remains a mystery after coroners inquest. Michael Ferchuck, an accountant aged 66 at the time, went missing in September of last year from his home in Dunstans Road, Salcombe.

His car, a blue Suziki Alto, was discovered at Beesands the following day.

Later that year in October, emergency services were alerted to the discovery of a body on the waters edge at Chilton Chine, between Brook and Brightstone.

In February, 2018, it was confirmed that the body was the former resident of Salcombe.

An inquest was held on Wednesday, March 28, at the Plymouth Coroner’s Court where the Coroner gave an open conclusion to the case.

An open verdict is an option given to a coroner’s jury at an inquest which means the jury confirms the death as suspicious, but is unable to reach any other verdicts open to them.

The Coroners court confirmed the deceased “left his affairs in order” at his house and left his car at Beesands, on or about September 17, 2017.

“His body was found on the Isle of Wight on October 20, 2017.”