A man described as Powys’ “Bear Grylls” likely died from hypothermia after venturing out into freezing weather, an inquest has heard.

Aaron Davies, 31, was found naked in a remote field near Llandrindod Wells in January 2023. He had last been seen four days earlier after leaving a friend’s house on foot around 5am, wearing a jacket and tracksuit bottoms, as temperatures plummeted below -10°C.

Mr Davies, who had no occupation or fixed address at the time of his death, was discovered by local farmer who was tending sheep on land between Cwmbrith and Upper Cwmbrith. His clothing was later found scattered some 600 to 800 metres away, with investigators concluding he had likely succumbed to paradoxical undressing – a phenomenon linked to late-stage hypothermia.

An inquest held at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court this week heard how Mr Davies, a keen outdoorsman, had been living a transient lifestyle following a serious mental health decline.

A statement from his father, Christopher Davies, described him as a “kind and carefree soul” who preferred living freely in nature, often trekking for miles and sleeping rough.

"He would walk like this in the mountains all the time – he seemed to have no comprehension of the danger he could be in,” he said.

The inquest heard that Mr Davies, who had schizophrenia and autism, had suffered a "serious mental break down" after a family break-up.

Toxicology results confirmed Mr Davies had taken amphetamines before his death. South Wales Coroner Graeme Hughes gave a narrative conclusion, ruling that Mr Davies died of hypothermia while under the influence of illicit substances.

Mr Davies’ family said he was a “loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin" and his loss would "leave a huge hole” in the lives of everyone who knew him.