THE reasons why a popular Southampton boxer jumped from a Southampton bridge will probably never be known, an inquest has ruled.

Lee Cutter, 29, died at Southampton General Hospital in the early hours of June 19 this year after being found in the River Itchen.

The alarm was raised by nearby residents after he plunged from the bridge. A post-mortem examination revealed that he had suffered a cardiac arrest, and also had self-inflicted knife wounds.

His brother Lance told coroner Grahame Short that Lee had no reason to end his life.

Lance said: “He was extremely happy doing the work that he was doing and he got on well with everyone.

“He was having trouble sleeping but he told me a couple of times that he was going to get his coaching badges for boxing and become a trainer.

“He was a loving brother and will be sadly missed. I would like to say thanks to everybody who jumped into the water and tried to save him."

Lee, who lived in Bitterne Road West, had been keen on boxing for a number of years and worked at the Bitterne Health Centre.

Coroner Grahame Short said that he was satisfied that the stab wounds were self-inflicted and that Lee had intentionally jumped from the bridge, but could not record a verdict of suicide.

He recorded an open verdict and said: “It’s a mysterious death because there was no apparent reason for him to take these actions.

“I can’t think of anything more horrific than having your brother die in these circumstances and you have my very deepest sympathies.”