The death of a much-loved former fairground worker known as “Maverick” remains unexplained, a coroner concluded.

Herbert Newman, known by friends and colleagues as ‘Maverick’, was found dead in his caravan at Jennings Yard, on Nursteed Road in Devizes, on August 20, 2023.

At an inquest on Thursday, January 18, Area Coroner Ian Singleton said the 80-year-old’s cause of death was “unascertainable.”

Herbert travelled the country as a part of the Jennings Fun Fair team, prior to his retirement.

In a statement, Herbert’s older brother David told the court “the fair was his life”.

Coroner Singleton said he got the impression the pensioner was “a real character”, and family added that he was “loved by thousands.”

Herbert was born in Warminster but lived at the fairground’s staff site for many years, even after he retired.

His body was discovered in his caravan by a neighbour, who entered with a spare key after he was unable to locate him.

Emergency services were called to the scene and confirmed Herbert was dead.

A post-mortem examination was unable to ascertain the cause of death due to the length of time he had been dead before he was found.

Coroner Singleton added: “It was not possible to determine the cause of his death or how he came by his death.”