Tributes paid to acclaimed poet and former UEA student after his death aged 27
Gboyega Odubanjo was last seen at the Shambala music festival in Northamptonshire, on Saturday
Last updated 1st Sep 2023
Tributes are being paid to an acclaimed poet and former UEA student, after his death at a music festival over the weekend.
Gboyega Odubanjo's body was found at the Shambala music festival in Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, at around 4am on Saturday.
He had been been invited to read poetry at the event the following day. Police don't think there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the 27 year old.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Northamptonshire Police said: "A body has sadly been found during the search for a 27-year-old man reported missing in Kelmarsh.
"Police officers made the discovery shortly before 9am on Thursday August 31 in the course of a specialised search of the area.
"The man had been reported missing on Sunday August 27, having last been seen at Shambala festival early the previous morning.
"While formal identification has yet to take place, the man's family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers."
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family at this very difficult time, and we would ask the media and members of the public to not contact them and respect their privacy.
"We would like to thank all those involved in the search efforts, including the volunteer members of Northamptonshire Search and Rescue and the specialist search-trained officers from other forces who supported our efforts.
"We would also like to thank all those who have supported our investigation by speaking to officers or getting in touch with information.
"Officers from Northamptonshire Police will now prepare a file for the coroner."
Mr Odubanjo, from Bromley in south-east London, was studying for a PhD in creative writing at the University of Hertfordshire.
He previously attended the University of East Anglia in Norfolk.
A UEA spokesperson said: “Gboyega has been a well loved and respected member of UEA's Arts and Humanities community and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
"Gboyega studied here at the University from 2014 to 2019, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Philosophy from the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communications Studies, and his Master’s degree in Creative Writing (Poetry) from the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing."
His work has appeared in the Guardian, the Poetry Review and the New Statesman.