Police have confirmed that a body recovered from the River Avon today, Friday 25th September, is believed to be that of missing University of Bath student Martin Bowers.
Police say they received a call at approximately 7.30am this morning to reports of a man in the water in the Bedminster area of Bristol.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service led an operation to recover the casualty and brought him back to the riverbank, where he was pronounced dead.
Roads were closed while the emergency services dealt with the incident, but have since reopened.
Formal identification has yet to take place, however officers believe the casualty is 20-year-old Martin Bowers.
Martin, a third-year University of Bath student, was reported missing in Bath earlier this week after not being seen since lunchtime on Saturday 19th September.
Martin’s family have been informed and police are continuing to support them at this difficult time.
Police do not consider the circumstances to be suspicious and they will now carry out further enquiries on behalf of the Coroner’s office.
Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, said: “We are devastated by the news that the police believe the casualty they found earlier today in Bristol is Martin Bowers, one of our students.
“His family and friends have been constantly in our thoughts over the last few days and we will continue to offer any support we can.
“We have been working with the police to do everything possible to help and will stay in close contact with them.
“If any of our students have been affected by this news, we urge them to reach out to one of the many sources of support available to them.
“We have additional Wellbeing Advisors on campus over the weekend at our Student Services Centre, or students can call 01225 383838 or e-mail [email protected] to talk via phone or video call if they prefer. Help is also available from the SU (students’ union) Advice Centre [email protected] or from our Chaplaincy.
“Our University Security team is available 24/7 and can be called for urgent support on 01225 383999.
“External sources of support are also available, including The Samaritans, who can be contacted on 116 123.”
