A body recovered from the sea off the North Devon coast has been formally identified as missing 59-year-old Michael Smith from Ilfracombe. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Sunday, August 9, that officers had responded to reports of a body in the water near Mortehoe on July 29. Emergency services attended the scene and recovered the body from the water. Following subsequent identification procedures, police have now confirmed the deceased was Michael Smith, 59, from Ilfracombe, who had previously been reported missing.
Family informed
Michael’s family have been informed of the identification. In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Michael’s family have been informed of the sad news and our thoughts are with them.” Police confirmed that Michael’s death is not currently being treated as suspicious. A file will now be prepared for the coroner, who will consider the circumstances surrounding his death.
