Inquest opened after Barrow man, 55, found dead at home
Paul James Henderson, 55, died on March 2 at his home address on Mikasa Street, Walney Island.
Tributes were paid from across Barrow rugby clubs at the time of his death.
Barrow Raiders said: "Everyone at Barrow Raiders is shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Paul Henderson.
"Paul played a few games for the Barrow A Team in the 1990s but will be more closely remembered for his lifelong affiliation with Walney Central where he was a permanent fixture. You could not wish to meet a friendlier person and he was a great character to boot.
"Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends."
And Barrow Island ARLFC posted on its social media: "A tremendous clubman for our old friends across the Jubilee Bridge. Hendy was a top bloke and great friend to alot of us, whether through Rugby League or through work at BAE Systems.
"This news really rocks us as club. Especially given how over recent years, the ties between ourselves and Cents have become deeper, forged especially through junior teams coming together."
The inquest was opened by Assistant Coroner for Cumbria Dr Nicholas Shaw, at Allerdale House in Workington on April 28, during which he explained the known circumstances around Mr Henderson's death.
Dr Shaw said: "Paul was found by his father who had a concern that he hadn't been responding to a telephone call.
"He was found by his father in the bath. The bath was filled with water, the house was secure, and this was a sudden and unexpected finding.
"Police attended and found no evidence of anything untoward in the house."
Dr Shaw said evidence of identification was provided by his father Melvin Henderson.
A provisional cause of death was given as 'drowning with acute alcohol toxicity'.
Dr Shaw said family evidence had been requested, along with a disclosure from police of any investigations undertaken.
Additionally, the coroner’s office has made inquiries with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and Recovery Steps Cumbria as to whether Mr Henderson was known to them.
Dr Shaw adjourned the inquest, setting a provisional inquest date of August 4.
