An inquest has been opened into the death of a 34-year-old man from Wolverhampton who was discovered in a car park in Bridgnorth earlier this summer.
What happened
The coroner for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Mr John Ellery, heard on Tuesday that the man, identified as Andre Oraine Billings, was found in the Severn Street car park in Bridgnorth on 5 June. Members of the public attempted emergency resuscitation and paramedics continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation on arrival, but Mr Billings was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.25pm.
Next steps and hearings
Mr Ellery adjourned the initial hearing and has scheduled a full inquest to take place on 19 November. The purpose of the opening hearing was to establish the basic facts — identity, time and place of death — and to set directions for the in-depth proceedings that will follow.
Local impact and context
Deaths investigated by a coroner are not in themselves evidence of criminality. An inquest seeks to establish who the deceased was and how, when and where they died, and in some cases whether any matters of public safety arise. The adjournment to November will allow the coroner to gather medical records, witness statements and any other relevant evidence.
- Name of deceased: Andre Oraine Billings
- Age: 34
- Location found: Severn Street car park, Bridgnorth
- Date found: 5 June
- Time pronounced: 6.25pm
- Next hearing: 19 November
Who was Mr Billings?
At the brief hearing, the court was told Mr Billings worked as a procurement manager and lived in Wolverhampton. Beyond that, the coroner did not give further detail in the opening session. The forthcoming full inquest will provide the opportunity to hear from emergency responders, potential witnesses and medical professionals, and to review any CCTV, medical or forensic evidence collected.
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Discovery by members of the public | 5 June (evening) |
| Pronounced dead on scene | 6.25pm, 5 June |
| Opening hearing | 29 July |
| Full inquest scheduled | 19 November |
For relatives, friends and local residents this will be a waiting period. Anyone with information that may assist the inquest or the police investigation — if one is ongoing — will usually be encouraged to contact the relevant authorities. Details of how to do so are typically published by Shropshire coronial services or the local police force ahead of the full hearing. The November inquest will be the forum where more detailed findings and, if appropriate, recommendations for public safety are considered.
This report will be updated when further details are disclosed at the full inquest.
