A heartbroken Burnham-On-Sea fiancée has paid tribute to an ‘amazing father’ missing for almost two months after a body was found on Saturday.
Police launched a huge search for Dean Tate, 40, pictured, who vanished from Burnham-On-Sea during the early hours of February 24.
On Saturday afternoon, a body, who police believe to be Mr Tate, was found by a fisherman on Stert Island, and recovered by Police, Coastguards and BARB crews, as reported here.
Writing on Facebook, his fiancée Sarah Reeves paid tribute to an “amazing father and friend” who was described as “one special man”.
Her post reads: “Today we have had the news the Dean has been found. We have been waiting for answers for so long so it’s a sad day for all of us.”
“My handsome, kind, funny, supportive, strong fiancee can be laid to rest eventually and we can all know that we tried everything we possibly could to find him.”
“He was so amazing and such an amazing father and friend and after everything he went through in life and still came out as amazing as he did he was one special man.”
“I want to thank each and every person that helped with the search and the fundraising for the reward.”
“Please allow me and Dean’s family the grieving space we need. Thank you.”
Pictured: BARB’s hovercraft flew Police and Coastguards to Stert Island
Detective Inspector Richard Horsfall of Avon and Somerset Police added: “This is not the outcome anyone wanted and our thoughts are with them during what is clearly a difficult time.”
“The search for Dean lasted several weeks and I’d like to personally thank our partners and the communities of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge for their assistance during this time.”
“While the community spirit shown has been warmly welcomed, I’d now ask Dean’s loved ones are given the privacy they need.”
Avon and Somerset Police says formal identification has yet to take place.
