MYSTERY continues to surround the death of a businessman whose body washed ashore five weeks after his clothes, towel and running shoes were found near a beach.

Mark Hadley, 61, vanished over the Easter bank holiday weekend after travelling alone to his family’s caravan.

His belongings were discovered in a bag hanging from railings at Beeston Regis, close to Sheringham, Norfolk, on April 5.

The married dad-of-two was an experienced swimmer who regularly took part in triathlons and usually stayed close to shore.

But an inquest heard he had been left a “shell of himself” after receiving distressing news shortly before he disappeared.

His wife Sarah, 66, said he had been feeling “very low” following the devastating news, although details were not revealed at the hearing.

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The family believed spending time alone at their caravan could help him.

When Mark failed to make contact for two days, his family reported him missing to police on April 6.

His Audi Q4 was found parked at the holiday site, while his phone was still charging inside.

Checks showed the phone had not moved since he was last in contact with his family.

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The bag found by the slipway was later confirmed to contain Mark’s clothes and running shoes.

Investigators also discovered he had searched online for tide times.

A huge search operation was launched, but there was no sign of the businessman.

Then, on May 11, a member of the public discovered his remains on a beach at Walcott, around 13 miles from where his belongings had been found.

His identity was confirmed using fingerprints.

But his cause of death could not be established because of the condition of his body.

Blood and urine were unavailable for toxicology testing, leaving investigators unable to determine whether any substances had played a part.

There was also no suicide note or other evidence showing that Mark intended to take his own life.

His family described him as a “glass half-full” character who loved cycling, eating out and socialising.

He was also highly active, running more than 60 miles a month, swimming regularly and competing in triathlons despite having previously suffered a heart attack and stroke.

Mark was the co-founder of radio communications firm Link Radio Services Ltd, which he set up in 1991.

He had previously served nine years in the RAF as an airfield communications and radar technician.

Assistant coroner Maeve Sykes recorded a narrative conclusion after hearing there was insufficient evidence to establish exactly what happened during his final hours.

She said: “The cause of death could not be established. There was no suspicion of third-party involvement.”

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The inquest therefore ended without a definitive answer over how the 61-year-old died.