A vulnerable teenager who went missing while on holiday in North Wales drowned after entering the sea, an inquest has heard.

Athrun Lombardo, 16, from Emersons Green in Bristol, disappeared from West Shore in May 2025 while visiting the area with his family. A verdict of misadventure was recorded at an inquest held at Denbighshire Coroner’s Court.

The court heard Athrun, who was autistic and had complex needs including dyspraxia, had been at the beach with his father and younger brother. He was last seen wearing swimming shorts after being directed towards the sea while his father applied sunscreen to his sibling.

When the younger boy went to find him a short time later, he could not be located, prompting a major multi-agency search involving police, lifeboat crews and coastguard teams. Athrun’s body was found in the sea four days later.

In a statement, his mother Catherine said there had been no indication it would be the last time she would see her son, describing how his mood had improved during the family’s trip to Llandudno.

Senior coroner John Gittins concluded Athrun died from drowning and that there was no evidence he intended to end his life. A provisional verdict of death by drowning was made last June at the opening inquest which was adjouned until today.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, he said there was nothing to suggest the teenager had deliberately acted to harm himself.