THE death of a businessman found on the banks of the River Neath will forever remain a mystery.

Swans fan Jeff Trick had been suffering from health problems and feared he might have developed cancer.

But an inquest was told there was no evidence to suggest he had killed himself and the likely cause of death was hypothermia.

Mr Trick was born and brought up in Swansea before moving to Neath with his father Jack and brother Barry.

Jack Trick co-founded the Trick and Aubrey vehicle repairs business in 1964 in Neath and his son took over from him in the 1980s.

The 57-year-old, from Leiros Park Drive in Bryncoch, was last seen when he left work on the evening of January 4 last year.

His body was found covered in mud and partially decomposed on the riverbank near Giant's Grave in Briton Ferry on Saturday, February 5.

Several witnesses at yesterday's hearing described how Jeff Trick had suffered stomach problems. Although he had been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, he was worried it might be cancer and had sought a second opinion.

In a statement his father, who died last year, said: "He was convinced he had cancer so much that it was affecting his daily life."

He added: "I don't think he would have harmed himself. He wouldn't have the courage to do this because he has so much to live for."

When he went missing he was wearing a shirt, fleece and trousers. Pathologist Paul Griffiths said this would not have been sufficient to protect Mr Trick from the cold.

Assistant deputy coroner Paul Bennett said: "Mr Trick was last seen alive on January 4 and found dead on February 5. What happened to him during that time remains a mystery. It is doubtful we will ever know what happened."

Mr Bennett concluded Mr Trick died of hypothermic exposure. But, he said, there was no evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt he intended to harm himself and no definite evidence there had been an accident or any other cause. He recorded an open verdict.

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk