A SINGLE entry on a social networking website has led a Derby coroner to conclude that a "fun-loving" and "popular" Derby man committed suicide.

The body of Sean Fallon, 23, was spotted floating in the River Derwent, near to Darley Rowing Club, on the morning of Sunday, September 18.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and Dr David Green, a consultant pathologist at Royal Derby Hospital, told Mr Fallon's inquest that death was due to drowning.

He also told Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner's Court that Mr Fallon's blood alcohol level had been three times the legal drink-drive limit, which would have severely impaired his ability to get himself out of the water.

Giving evidence, PC Tony Chambers said Mr Fallon was identified from a store card and driving licence found on him but there had been no trace of his mobile phone.

He said: "I went back the following day and eventually found the phone and a lager can in a narrow space on an iron bridge spanning the river at City Road, which indicated this was where Mr Fallon entered the water."

Assistant deputy coroner Paul McCandless heard from several witnesses who said Mr Fallon had been in an "excited" mood and "in good spirits" before his death.

The court heard that after finishing his shift as assistant manager at Ryan's Bar, in St Peter's Street, which together with the Shakespeare Inn in Sadler Gate is owned by the Mr Fallon's family, he met up with a number of friends. Kayleigh Hallsworth, of Roman Road, Chester Green, said: "We met at the Shakespeare at about 12.30am before going to Curzons club.

"Sean was in good spirits and messing around like normal."

The pair went back to Miss Hallsworth's home between 3am and 4am, where she went to bed, expecting Mr Fallon to spend the rest of the night on the sofa.

But some time after that she said she heard him unlock the front door.

Fellow housemate Rachel Leavers, who had spent some time at the pub earlier with Mr Fallon, said she received a text and a missed call from him at 4.49am.

Two other friends also received texts from Mr Fallon at about the same time, including former partner Anthony Ryguski, whose message at 5.01am read: "I've always loved you."

The court also heard from Mr Fallon's mother, Ginette, of Stenson Road, Littleover, who said: "There is no way Sean would take his life. He was fun-loving and popular."

Summing up, Mr McCandless said he took a Facebook message posted by Mr Fallon at 5.19am, in which he indicated his love for members of his family and said he wanted to be with his late father, to be a suicide note due to its "quite final tone".

Mr McCandless said: "Everyone loved Sean and it is obvious that no one found his behaviour that night to be out of the ordinary. His mother has indicated that, although upset by his father's death in 2008, it was not a major issue for him.

"Although factors mitigate against it, the Facebook entry does indicate his intention to put himself into the water to end his life. I understand how shocking and difficult this will be.

"I am recording a verdict that Sean Fallon took his own life whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed."