An inquest has opened into a man who was found dead in the River Itchen in Riverside Park.
Derek Burrows, of Monks Way, was found face down in the water by police officers on the morning of Saturday, September 30.
At the inquest opening on Monday, coroner Jason Pegg said the 66-year-old was identified using photos from his wallet.
His main cause of death was given as “immersion in water”.
Police were called at around 9.30am that day to reports of Mr Burrows' body being found in the river.
The car park in Woodmill Lane was soon filled with a variety of emergency service vehicles, from search and response to coastguard vans, fire engines and ambulances.
The coastguard helicopter was also seen circling above the park.
As well as police, those involved in the response included coastguard rescue teams from Hillhead, Lymington and Portsmouth; a coastguard helicopter; the Hamble lifeboat; crews from St Mary's and Redbridge fire stations; the water rescue vehicle from Fareham and paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service.
Mr Burrows’ body was pulled from the water within a couple of hours.
Rachel Evans from Bitterne Park was there at the time of the incident.
She said: "I was absolutely shocked. It all happened really quick; one minute there was only police and then it was packed with emergency services.
"It’s really sad as a body has been found."
Rob Gilmour, 55, was having a coffee in his back garden in Portswood Road when he saw the helicopter hovering over the Mansbridge area.
He immediately thought of his teenage granddaughter, who swims in the river.
He said: "I was gut-wrenched because I thought it could be her; that was my first concern. I was checking her Snapchat to make sure she was at home.
"My first thoughts were for the man and his family. I felt so sorry for them."
Condolences came thick and fast from across the community, with many people taking to the Echo's Facebook page to share their well wishes with the man's family.
Karen Blake said: "So sad, heart felt condolences."
Kat Annells added: "Thoughts are with the man's family at this terrible time."
Joanne Grace said: "So sad. Thoughts with the deceased and their loved ones, and anyone else affected by this."
A full inquest has been adjourned until September 18 next year.
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