Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Friday 19 September 1919

Wombwell Man Drowned.

Walking along the towing path and Dove Canal at Wombwell, late Tuesday night, Enoch Dyson, “taker in,” employed at Wood Bros.’ Glass Works, Concrete, Wombwell, came across man’s coat at the edge water.

In one of the pockets was a note bearing the name William Hepworth, whose body was later recovered near the same spot. Hepworth, who was 74 years of age, had resided with his nephew of the same name at 10, Church Street, Wombwell. He left the house at o’clock on Tuesday evening saying .he, was going for a walk, and was not seen again alive.

At the inquest held at the Wesleyan Chapel, Wombwell, yesterday, it was stated that deceased had complained about his eyesight. He was formerly miner, but had not worked since the fire at Cortonwood Colliery 15 years ago.

A verdict of “drowned himself whilst temporarily of unsound mind” was returned.