Poignant family tribute as body on Hartlepool beach identified as Gabriel Kariuki

Gabriel’s family was contacted after police located the body of a man on the beach at Seaton Carew on Friday, June 25.

Gabriel, 26, had been missing for over a month and was last seen in the Victoria Road area in the early hours of May 18.

Cleveland Police have confirmed on Tuesday, June 29, that it is his body.

Officers have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A force spokesperson said: “We are very sad to say that formal identification of a man whose body was discovered at Seaton Carew on Friday has now taken place and it has been confirmed to be that of Gabriel Kariuki

"Gabriel, 26, had been missing from home in Hartlepool since mid-May.

“Gabriel’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

“His family has been informed and they remain receiving support from specially trained officers.”

Officers also shared a video on behalf of the family, showing them carrying out a rockery tribute to Gabriel at Seaton Carew beach.

Cleveland Police added: “While Gabriel’s family has asked for privacy as they begin to come to terms with this tragic news, his mum Annie has asked Cleveland Police to release this video clip on behalf of the family.

"It shows them carrying out a rockery tribute to Gabriel at Seaton Carew beach.”

An inquest into his death is expected to shortly open.

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