Body found in search for missing Gary from Stanstead Abbotts

Police confirm the body of a missing 60-year-old man has been recovered from water in Hoddesdon, bringing an end to a week-long search involving specialist teams

Gary, 60, was last seen at The Boat Yard in South Street at around midday on 18 January.
Author: Cameron GreenPublished 24th Jan 2025

The search for Gary, a 60-year-old man from Stanstead Abbotts, has come to an end after a body was discovered in water in Hoddesdon this morning (Friday, 24 January).

A member of the public found the body at around 9.15am near the marina area, where police had been focusing their efforts with the help of dive teams and other specialist resources throughout the week.

Chief Inspector Mark Collins, who led the search operation, said: “We can confirm that the body recovered is that of Gary, who was reported missing last Saturday. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”

Gary was last seen at The Boat Yard in South Street, Stanstead Abbotts, on 18 January. He was described as slim, around 5ft 5ins tall, with grey hair and a goatee beard. The police search intensified earlier this week with the deployment of specialist dive teams to comb the waterways near the marina.

Gary’s family, who have been informed of the discovery, are receiving support from police officers.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Hertfordshire Police directly.

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