KEY POINTS:
Brent Andrew Beattie's lonely death was as tragic as the life he lived.
The 38-year-old father of two died while living alone under a footbridge on the edge of Hagley Park in central Christchurch.
It was up to a month before anyone even noticed the drug and alcohol addict had died. He had lived under the bridge for at least six months, and a few people did their best to help by taking him clothes, food and water.
The one encouraging thing was that there were those prepared to help someone "at the bottom of the social heap", said chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean.
At a coroner's hearing yesterday only the coroner, a court registrar, two policemen and a Herald journalist were there to hear the sad tale of Mr Beattie's life. His mother, Christina McCoubrey, had indicated she might attend, but did not show up.
In a statement to police, she said Mr Beattie was a "loving, caring child", but unfortunately as he got older he became addicted to alcohol and other substances. He was in and out oftreatment centres for most of his life.
He leaves two children, 11 and 16.
Mr Beattie's body was found by fireman Richard Long on October 13, 2006, in an "extreme state of decomposition". He was crouched, with his knees drawn up to his abdomen.
A post-mortem examination found he had been dead for several weeks.
Also found under the bridge were many glue and methylated spirits containers.
