A 48-year-old man from Erith who was reported missing a week ago has been found dead, his family has confirmed.
William, known to his friends and family as Billy, was first reported missing on Friday, October 9. An appeal was launched to help trace him after concerns were raised for his welfare.
Seven days later, those who had been searching for him shared the sad news that he had been found, but had died.
What we know
- Who: William, known as Billy, aged 48, from Erith in the London Borough of Bexley
- Reported missing: Friday, October 9
- Latest: Found dead a week later, as confirmed by his family
- Family’s wish: Privacy at this sad time; they will not be answering questions
In a statement, Billy’s family said: ‘Unfortunately, it’s not the outcome we wanted; We have now found Billy and he has sadly passed away. His family and friends request that you respect their privacy at this sad time. We will not be answering any questions about this.’
Tributes to a well-loved local
Billy had previously worked at Morrisons and was described as well loved by people in Erith, where he was a familiar face to many.
His sister previously paid tribute to him while the search was under way, describing him as ‘the most amazing, chatty, lovable person’, and said that ‘everybody knows him’.
Friends, former colleagues and members of the local community who shared the appeal to find him have since expressed their condolences to his family, with many describing their shock at the news.
The family has asked that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with their loss, and said they will not be answering questions about the circumstances.
Remembering Billy
Those who knew Billy have spoken warmly of his character. His sister’s description of him as a chatty and lovable person was echoed by others who knew him through his work and around the town.
During his time at Morrisons, he became a familiar and popular figure among colleagues and customers alike. News of his death has been met with sadness by many who knew him in Erith and beyond.
For his family and close friends, the past week has been an agonising wait for news. They have now asked for space to grieve privately, and for the community’s understanding as they do so.
A week of searching
The Metropolitan Police issued a public appeal with a photograph of Billy after he was reported missing on October 9, asking anyone who had seen him or knew where he might be to come forward.
Over the following week, family members, friends and local residents shared the appeal widely across the community and on social media in the hope that he would be found safe.
Each day without news brought growing concern among those who knew him, with many in Erith joining the effort to spread the word and keep an eye out.
The confirmation that he had been found dead came exactly a week after he was first reported missing, ending days of anxious waiting for his loved ones.
The Erith community
Erith is a riverside town in the London Borough of Bexley, in south-east London, with a close-knit community centred around its high street and the River Thames.
Those who knew Billy described him as a friendly and outgoing presence in the town, and the widespread sharing of the appeal to find him reflected the affection in which he was held locally.
Support for those affected
Anyone who has been affected by this news can contact Samaritans free at any time on 116 123. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and calls are confidential.
The charity Missing People also offers advice and support to the families and friends of missing people. Its helpline can be reached on 116 000.
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