An windsurfer whose body was found almost 600 km above sea level in Sweden died by mistake, an investigation has been completed.

Chris Bamfield, 65, had recently revived his love of the sport when he disappeared off the coast of Norfolk last year.

His board and sail were found nearby after he failed to return from a windsurfing trip across Hunstanton Beach on November 14, 2020.

His body was found off the island of Stora Korno in April, after drifting across the North Sea, investigators believe.

Mr Bamfield, from Middleton, had just retired after 29 years at King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council when he disappeared.

In the days after his death, buildings over King’s Lynn were lit up as a tribute to the retired CEO.

Mr Bamfield’s family had previously described him as “the personification of positivity”.

They said he had been windsurfing for 40 years and that he had only recently resurrected his passion for the sport before disappearing.

At the Norwich poll, they hailed him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, full of love for family and friends, “who was the ultimate optimist”.

They added that he and his wife had many plans to travel and enjoy life in retirement.

The family added that their only consolation was that he died when he did something he loved and that they were so proud of him.