Gareth Huntley: family 'devastated' after City worker's body identified in Malaysia

 
Expedition: Gareth Huntley (Picture: PA)

The family of a British backpacker who was found dead in the Malaysian jungle have paid tribute to him, saying "no words can describe the void he will leave".

City worker Mr Huntley, 34, disappeared on May 27 after he went on a trek to a waterfall on Tioman Island, off the south-eastern coast of the country's mainland.

Police today confirmed a body found on Wednesday close to where he was living was that of the missing Briton.

His mother, Janet Southwell, had given blood to hospital staff so they could carry out a DNA comparison.

In a statement, his family thanked those who had supported them in the search for the former east Londoner.

They said: "We would like to thank everyone who came together in the last week to do everything in their power to help find Gareth. You have been extraordinary and we are deeply touched and deeply grateful.

"There are no words that can capture the devastation we feel right now; no words that can capture the kindness, warmth and spirit that Gareth exuded; no words can describe the void he will leave in all of the lives he touched.

"Gareth lived every minute of his life as fully as he could; never without a smile and always with others in his heart. You will never leave our hearts Gareth."

A spokesman for Mr Huntley's family said: "It is with deep regret that we can confirm that Gareth has died. We would kindly ask that the media respects the privacy of the family at this extremely difficult time."

Mr Huntley, who lived in Hackney, was found in a pond just yards from a kayak storage shed at the Juara Turtle Project where he had been volunteering.

He was discovered behind a row of cabins used by rescue teams during the search.

The cause of his death has not yet been established.

Pahang state police chief senior deputy commissioner Datuk Sharifuddin Ab Ghani said earlier this week that the body was decomposing and was found clothed in shorts, socks and shoes, but with no shirt.

An iPhone was also found nearby but there was no sign of any personal documentation.

Mr Huntley, who is originally from the Leeds-Bradford border, was on a sabbatical from his job in the City.

His family mounted a high-profile campaign to intensify a search for him after he failed to return from his trek.

Ms Southwell arrived in Malaysia on Monday after Prime Minister David Cameron spoke to Malaysia's prime minister Najib Razak about the search effort.

More than 100 people were involved in the search until his body was found on Wednesday.

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