Tragic Discovery: Soldier Charlie Saywell Found Dead in River Medway
Soldier’s Body Found Covered in Mud
The lifeless body of 25-year-old soldier Charlie Saywell was found in the River Medway near Chatham on Tuesday, March 5. A worker spotted his body around 10:50am at Turks Shipyard. Despite a swift response from police, paramedics, fire crews, and HM Coastguard, Charlie was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alleged Assault Before Death
Charlie’s final hours remain shrouded in mystery. Phone records suggest he was assaulted between 12:10am and 2:40am. Detectives believe he got into an unknown car where the driver attacked him, leaving facial injuries. Police urgently seek witnesses who saw Charlie in Gillingham or Chatham during that time, especially near a fast food outlet or in a car altercation.
Unnatural Death, But Not Suspicious
While Charlie’s death is not currently treated as suspicious, authorities stress the need to understand his last movements. Coroner Catherine Wood ruled the cause of death as drowning caused by violent or unnatural circumstances. Notably, Charlie was found with a rope tied around his torso and legs, adding to the disturbing nature of the case.
Family Pleads for Answers
Charlie was last seen wearing a dark navy short-sleeved T-shirt, khaki cargo trousers, and white trainers. His mother, Victoria Brown, made an emotional appeal:
“If you witnessed my son Charlie’s movements in the early hours of that morning, please contact kent-police/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kent Police. Our family needs closure about what happened to him.”
