A YOUNG homeless man tragically drowned after being egged on to swim across a river for £100, an inquest heard.
DROWNED: Thomas Bebbington, 22, disappeared underwater after being dared to swim across a river
Thomas Bebbington, 22, allegedly drowned after two men offered him the cash to swim across the River Severn in November last year, according to his friend Jack Jones.
He had reportedly been sitting on some steps outside a former prison in Shrewsbury when he was approached by the men.
HOMELESS: Jones and Bebbington had been 'sleeping rough'
After accepting the bet, he entered the river and tragically disappeared beneath the surface after “five or six strokes”, the inquest heard.
His body was found downstream on December 6.
Shropshire Coroner John Ellery yesterday gave a verdict of death through misadventure.
IDYLLIC: The inquest was heard at Shrewsbury Shirehall
He claims the medical cause of death is due to immersion into the river because of toxicity from methadone, heroin, cannabis and cocaine.
Friend Mr Jones told the hearing how he and Mr Bebbington had been sleeping rough at the time.
He said: "Me and him used to be homeless on the streets for some months.
BRIBED: The two rough sleepers (not pictured) were approached by two men
“We became best mates.
"The two Liverpudlian men said to Tom, 'I will give you £100 to jump in this water and swim from this side to that one and back'.
"He went in and started swimming. I think it was after about five or six strokes I started shouting his name, but I couldn't get a response."
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