British personal trainer, 33, was shot dead after gunman opened fire on his holiday villa in Jamaica, inquest hears
- Sean Allen Patterson, 33, was visiting Jamaica for the first time, his family said
A British personal trainer died while on holiday after a gunman opened fire on the villa where he was staying in Jamaica, an inquest has heard.
Sean Allen Patterson, 33, was found in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds to his upper body and head at the villa in Bogue Heights, St James, on January 2.
Reports at the time said the personal trainer was shot 12 times by a hooded gunman dressed in black.
Mr Patterson, who lived in Shepherd's Bush, west London, had been staying at the accommodation with another man, who was also from London.
Opening the inquest today at West London Coroner's Court, senior coroner Lydia Brown said she had received information from authorities in Jamaica.
Sean Allen Patterson, 33, was found in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds to his upper body and head at the villa in Bogue Heights, St James
Reports at the time said the personal trainer was shot 12 times by a hooded gunman dressed in black
She said: 'This is the information I have from the Jamaican Police.
'It is, by necessity, quite limited - as I understand there is an ongoing, live investigation.
'On 2 January 2023, at around 12:02pm, Sean Patterson, 33 years old, was shot and killed by unknown assailants at the villa where he was staying.
'He had come to Jamaica on 29 December 2022 with a male companion. They spent three days at an apartment and then booked a villa for five days, commencing 1 January.
'One man, whose back had been turned to the villa, said he heard several loud explosions - which sounded like gunshots.
'He then saw a lone man dressed in black with a handgun, shooting at Mr Patterson.
'This man allegedly ran into the bushes. Police were called and Mr Patterson was found in a pool of blood with gunshots wounds to his upper body and head.'
Senior Coroner Brown listed the causes of death as: '1a, injuries to vital organs; 1b, multiple gunshot wounds.'
She then announced that she would be suspending the inquest while the investigation in Jamaica is ongoing.
She said: 'The English authorities are currently in liaison with the Jamaican authorities.
The personal trainer was standing by the pool of the guesthouse where he was staying, pictured, in Jamaica when witnesses heard 'loud explosions'
'I am therefore going to suspend this case under my general powers as we await the results of the investigation.
'This matter is now suspended.'
Senior Coroner Brown added that the suspension would be reviewed every six months.
Mr Paterson's mother previously said it was his first trip to the country to see relatives.
Speaking to MailOnline at her home in Shepherds Bush, west London, Mrs Wright, 63, said: 'I've lost my baby. No mother should have to bury her child.
'He'd gone to Jamaica with my godson and one of my best friends and had only been there for two days.
'He'd been having the time of his life. He'd never been before but sent me a photo of himself basking in the sunshine and a video of himself leaping off a cliff into the sea.
'Sean has family in Jamaica through his father. They are very well-to-do over there and he'd hoped to meet them. He never got the chance.'
Jamaican police are working on the theory it was a targeted hit, it was previously reported.