Missing Hawkhurst Man Lee Young Found Dead in Woodland After Week-Long Search
The body of Lee Young, a 32-year-old man missing from Hawkhurst since last Tuesday, has been tragically found dead in nearby woodland.
Lee's devastated father, Gary Young, confirmed the heartbreaking discovery in a public statement this evening, revealing his son was located at 9:55am today in Lemon Woods, a rural area near the family's home.
“Please give us peace and the time to mourn”
In an emotional message shared online, Mr Young wrote:
"With heartfelt regret and to thank everybody for all they have done for our %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%%, at 09:55 today my son Lee was found deceased.
Please give us some peace and the time to mourn my beautiful boy.
He will be missed by so many. Please light a candle for him and pray. Remember him in your thoughts—the good times, the laughter."
He added that funeral details will be announced in due course but asked the public for space and privacy as the family begins to grieve.
Week-Long Search Ends in Tragedy
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% Young was last seen around 8:45am on Tuesday, 8 July, after telling his pregnant partner he was stepping out to “do a few things”—promising he'd be home soon.
He never returned.
His family, friends, and members of the community launched extensive search efforts throughout the Hawkhurst area, and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% were involved in the investigation. His father had issued a public appeal for help just a day before today's discovery.
"Amazing and respectful young man"
In earlier interviews, Mr Young described Lee as:
"An amazing and respectful son, a hardworking handyman, and someone who was looking forward to the future."
He said their last conversations had been positive and hopeful, making Lee's sudden disappearance all the more shocking.
Community in Mourning
Lee's %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% has left the tight-knit Weald community reeling, with many offering condolences and lighting candles in his memory.
"Rest in peace, Lee. You were loved more than you knew," read one tribute shared online.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, help is available. Call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%%.
More details will be shared as they become available, including funeral arrangements and coroner updates.
