A former Bury FC footballer accidentally drowned around a mile from his home, an inquest has heard.
James Dean's body was found in a stream in Osdwaldtwistle, Lancashire, on May 9.
James, 35, had been reported as missing from home three days earlier.
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An inquest into James' death, at Accrington Town Hall, concluded that the death was an accident.
Area coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, Richard Taylor said: "James Dean was found dead on 9th May 2021 in a stream near Orchard Drive, Oswaldtwistle.
"He had been reported missing from home on 6th May 2021."
Drowning was recorded as the medical cause of death.
The inquest heard that James worked as a gutter fitter but he previously played football for Bury as a striker.
During a 16-year career, he also played for Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic, Hyde United, Ashton United, Trafford, Harrogate Town, Halifax Town, AFC Fylde, Chorley, Warrington Town, Northwich Victoria, Clitheroe, Padiham, Great Harwood Town, and Bamber Bridge.
Following his death, his family said they were "utterly heartbroken" and "can’t believe our James has really gone".
"We are still hoping he will walk back through the door and give us one of his smiles," they said.
"James was a loving father to his boys, a son, grandson, nephew and a brother and he will be desperately missed by so many. He was such a genuine and gentle person who would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it.
"We would like to thank everyone in the community who has helped in the search for James over the last few days and everyone at Brave Church for their love and support.
"We would also ask that people please don’t speculate about what happened to James as it’s not fair for us as a family – especially his boys – to read these things. The truth will come out in good time.
"While we are touched by all the lovely things people have said about James we would ask that we are now left in peace to try and come to terms with what has happened."
