Tragic Discovery in Hyde Park on Christmas Eve
A family has been left heartbroken after a father was found dead in Hyde Park on Christmas Eve, following a visit to his hospitalised son. Gareth Griffiths, a 45-year-old builder originally from West London but living in Cornwall, had been missing for several weeks after leaving his youngest son's bedside at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington on December 3.
Son's Critical Treatment and Father's Disappearance
Gareth was in London while his 13-year-old son underwent a critical bone marrow transplant for aplastic anaemia, a life-saving procedure. His brother, who wishes to remain anonymous, described receiving the devastating news on Christmas Eve, when police informed him that Gareth's body had been discovered in the Serpentine lake, near Winter Wonderland.
The brother, a 50-year-old historical building restoration worker from Ruislip, said: "I got that awful phone call on the fourth saying he was missing. On Christmas Eve, police knocked on my door to tell me he's dead. Now I have to look after his two children." He believes the death was a tragic accident rather than anything sinister, given the unusual circumstances.
Family's Grief and Funeral Plans
Christmas Day became the worst day of his life for Gareth's brother, who had to break the news to their mother. He shared: "Christmas Day was the worst day of my life, going to tell my mum. Boxing Day was my 50th birthday, but we didn't have a celebration. I had to tell his son and watch his world fall apart."
Gareth, described as a lovely, fun-loving guy who lived for his kids, had relocated to Cornwall with his mother nearly thirty years ago. His brother is now caring for the 13-year-old in London, while their mother looks after the 15-year-old son. The family is struggling with the emotional and financial impact, as the brother is self-employed and has been out of work since the tragedy.
He is currently raising funds for Gareth's funeral and hopes to take the nephews abroad to scatter their father's ashes at sea. "I'd like to take them to sea, to say goodbye to their dad. It would be nice to go as one big family," he said, adding that every Christmas will now be a painful reminder of their loss.
Police Investigation and Missing Person Appeal
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man was pronounced dead at the scene in Hyde Park on December 24 after reports of a person in the water. A spokesperson stated: "Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the man was sadly declared dead at the scene. His next of kin were notified at the time and are being supported by specialist officers. The death is being treated as unexpected, and enquiries remain ongoing."
Police had launched a missing person appeal on December 10, a week after Gareth's disappearance. Detective Inspector Joseph Cato from the Met's Missing Persons Unit noted that Gareth was last seen wearing a grey beanie, a dark blue Adidas coat, a black jumper with a Hugo logo, and dark trousers. He was described as 5ft 8ins tall, clean-shaven, and bald, with connections in Westminster, Harrow, Islington, Devon, and Cornwall.
The brother reflected on Gareth's character: "He was very laid back and fun-loving. He did a lot for his boys. He was a great dad. If he wasn't working, he would be with his boys. Before Gareth's son went to hospital, they were always together, the three of them. Now, not even the boys are together. That's the saddest thing about it all."
