Tribute issued following formal identification of cyclist who died in Droxford

We can now confirm that the body found in Droxford on Monday 10 August is that of missing 55-year-old Declan Murray from Southampton.

Declan’s body was found at around 11pm on the B2150, near the Station Road junction, after his bicycle was involved in a collision.

He was reported missing to police six days later on 16 August, and following a number of enquiries, including formal identification procedures, we have been able to establish that it was his body which was located in Droxford.

Paying tribute to him today, his family said: "Sadly, our brother, Declan, has been taken from us in a late-night bicycle accident on a rural back-road.

"A tragedy, of course, but in a strange sort of way, he died as he lived.

"A free-wheeling spirit riding a road less travelled.

"Adept at switching gears to match the bumpy terrain life's journey presents to us all.

"Declan was a man with a wit as sharp as his 'smarts', and a defender of the downtrodden, who waged his own unique fight for fairness.

"As one family member put it, Dec was a man who 'wanted to change the world'.

"He did. He changed our family's own little world. A world he's now left physically, but one which he'll orbit through the many fond memories in our hearts.

"RIP, bro!"

A Home Office Post Mortem Examination has taken place, and the initial findings indicate that there were no other vehicles involved in the collision.

Declan’s next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Enquiries into the exact circumstances of the death remain ongoing, however we are satisfied there is no third party involvement.