A TRAGIC accident is now believed to have led to the death of a man whose body was found in the water near his narrowboat at Bradford on Avon Marina.

Friends have named the man as Rod Parr and many left fulsome tributes to him on social media as the news spread.

The 57-year-old’s body was pulled from the marina on Sunday afternoon after his golfing partner John Davies discovered him in the water.

Mr Davies had gone to the marina to find out why Mr Parr had failed to turn up for a round of golf at Cumberwell Park Golf Club, where he also worked as a self-employed painter and decorator.

Mr Parr, who was from Manchester and a big Manchester City fan, ran a business called JPR Painting & Decorating Wiltshire from his narrowboat, Water Music, which is moored at the marina.

He also played guitar and performed locally at open mic nights at some of the town’s pubs, including the Rising Sun on Winsley Road.

Ali James, the general manager at Cumberwell Park, said: “We’re absolutely shocked by the news. He was a lovely guy and always had a smile on his face.

“He played golf here as a member for more than 10 years, as well as working for the club, so he was always around a lot.

“He was a reasonable club golfer and played off a handicap of 10 so he could hold his own on the golf course. He will be sorely missed.”

Tributes on the Spotted in Bradford on Avon Facebook page describe Mr Parr as a “really nice chap” and as “one of the nicest blokes you would ever want to meet”.

Posting on Facebook, Sara Hourahine said: “Absolutely shocked. Such sad news. Rod was an absolute diamond. True gentleman, super friendly & a fabulous sense of humour. Will truly be missed. Sending lots of love, hugs & kisses to his family, my heart goes out to you all.”

Mr Parr was seen drinking with friends in the nearby Boathouse pub on the Saturday evening and staff described him as being his usual happy self.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Following extensive enquiries, the death of a 57-year-old man whose body was found in the marina at Bradford on Avon on Sunday is not being treated as suspicious.

“His family have been informed and we would like to express our condolences to them. We are now preparing a file for HM Coroner.”

Initially, Mr Parr’s death was treated as unexplained and police had appealed for witnesses.

The Wiltshire Coroner’s Office in Salisbury has not yet opened an investigation or inquest into his death and could not confirm whether his body has been formally identified.

It is understood his family, who live in London and Manchester, are devastated. A relative previously ran the Canal Tavern in Bradford for two years and Mr Parr was well known in the town.

All the emergency services were called to the Bradford on Avon Marina - which is run by Sally Narrowboats - after he was found on Sunday.

They included the South Western Ambulance Service and fire crews from Trowbridge and Frome, including a heavy rescue unit and water rescue truck.

Police said: “We were contacted by a member of the public just after 4pm following reports of a body in the water.

“All emergency services attended but, sadly, the man was declared dead at the scene.”