Wales football fan Stuart Griffiths died after bridge fall
- Published
Police were at the scene following Mr Griffiths' death
A football fan died while walking home after watching Wales beat Turkey at Euro 2020, an inquest has heard.
Firefighter Stuart Griffiths, 38, toppled from a bridge wall as he walked with friends after watching the 2-0 victory in a pub.
He and a friend lost their balance and fell into the shallow waters of the River Ely in Pontyclun last Wednesday.
A Pontypridd inquest into the death of Mr Griffiths, from Brynsadler, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was opened and adjourned.
The incident happened at about 20:30 BST and emergency services were unable to revive the father-of-two.
The water Stuart Griffiths fell into was shallow
Police have interviewed a 50-year-old man in connection with his death and family liaison officers are supporting Mr Griffiths' family.
An online fundraiser by his colleagues at Barry fire station has already raised more than 拢8,000.
'Service flags at half-mast'
His fellow firefighters paid tribute to him, saying he had served with "immense professionalism and pride" in south Wales since 2002.
Chief fire officer Huw Jakeway said their condolences were with the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Griffiths.
"We are privileged to have known him as a colleague and a friend and he will be greatly missed by us all.
"As mark of respect all service flags are flying at half-mast until further notice," he said.
Dozens of friends paid tribute to "lovely guy" Mr Griffiths online.
Ed Robson wrote: "Struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of such a lovely guy, taken horribly early.
"A devoted husband and father and all round good bloke. A heartbreaking loss. I'll miss you Stu and I'll always remember you with a smile. Rest in peace mate."
Another friend, James Connor, said: "Stuie meant so much to so many people this is our chance to show how much he meant to us all by supporting his family who meant the world to him."