TRAGIC Vladislav Belicza drowned in the Gloucester-Sharpness canal just days after being attacked and robbed, an inquest heard.
Mr Belicza, 39, had been living with his partner Marta Misklvicova in a shed behind a house in Faulkner Street, Gloucester, in the days leading up to his death.
He was found in the canal near the Docks on June 7 last year, Gloucestershire assistant deputy coroner Katy Skerrett was told.
Detective Constable Ian Pipe told her the identity of the body had been discovered quickly because he had left clothing and a phone nearby.
Mr Belicza's partner went to Gloucester police station, and through an interpreter, said he was missing.
She also told officers he had been assaulted a couple of days previously in a robbery in Gloucester Park.
DC Pipe told the court Mr Belicza had a hospital bracelet still attached when he was found.
"He had acute pancreatitis but discharged himself later the same day," he said. "He had tried to gain access to the night shelter on Llanthony Road but it was closed, and was referred to the Vaughan Day Centre."
The police are satisfied there was no third party involvement in Mr Belicza's death. The coroner said he could have collapsed from alcoholism or heart disease and recorded an open verdict.
Brian Jones from GEAR, Gloucester's homelessness charity, said he was saddened by the circumstances of the death of Mr Belicza, whom he knew.
"There is a mythology that people come here from other countries and collect benefits, but that is not always true, Vlad had nothing," he said.
"He was in hospital a number of times and received treatment for alcohol-related health issues."