Police in Malaysia today denied reports that British backpacker Gareth Huntley had his throat slit in a fight.
Mr Huntley’s body was found last week in a river close to the turtle conservation centre where he had been working on the island of Tioman.
He vanished on May 27 after going on a trek to a waterfall. Media reports had claimed police were investigating claims of a fight, and a tour guide was quoted saying that police had told him Mr Huntley’s throat had been slit.
But Mohammad Zakaria Ahmad, head of the team investigating his death, told the Malay Mail: “None of the witnesses mentioned they saw him fighting with another foreigner on the island ... There were no cuts or injuries. This led us to believe there was no foul play.”
Janet Southwell, mother of Mr Huntley, 34, of Hackney, flew out to identify the body. Further tests are taking place to determine cause of death.
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."
