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Body found in Bristol confirmed as former Tunbridge Wells school student Olisa Odukwe

Police have today confirmed a body found in Bristol Harbour is that of a missing former Kent school pupil.

Olisa Odukwe, who went to Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, was reported missing from his home in the Redland area of Bristol, where he was at university, earlier this month.

Olisa Odukwe has been described as 'a young man with extraordinary promise'. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police
Olisa Odukwe has been described as 'a young man with extraordinary promise'. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

Police divers searching for the 20-year-old found a body in the harbour in the city on Tuesday last week and police have now formally identified him.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Sadly, I can confirm that the body of a man recovered from Bristol Harbour on May 4 has now been formally identified as Olisa Odukwe.

"A police investigation has ruled out any suspicious circumstances and the death has been referred to the coroner."

Tributes have been paid to a young man described as having "extraordinary promise and great personal charm".

A spokesman for his former school in Tunbridge Wells, which he left in 2019 to go to the University of Bristol, said the entire school was saddened to learn of his death.

"Thinking of Olisa brings to mind his considerable commitment to his studies as well as the warmth and kindness that he brought to his relationships..."

They said: "Olisa was a young man with extraordinary promise and great personal charm.

"Olisa will be widely missed by his fellow students and by the staff who taught him. For many in the community at Bennett thinking of Olisa brings to mind his considerable commitment to his studies as well as the warmth and kindness that he brought to his relationships.

"As a school community we join Olisa’s family in mourning for him, and we pray for them and for all who feel a sense of deep loss at this tragic news."

Mr Odukwe's former football team, Leigh FC, last week played in black armbands in his memory.

Manager Dave Furneaux wrote on Facebook: "Olisa was a fantastic player, highly effective on the pitch and warm and gentle off it.

"He was quiet but with a great sense of humour and a cheeky glint in his eye. As a student of mine for seven years his passing has left a hole in my heart.

"He was the 'best of us' and a joy to be around. A true Grade A in all senses."

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