In a tragic turn of events, a body has been found in Gloucester during the search for Lee Horton, a 36-year-old man from Evesham who was reported missing after a trip to Bristol. Lee was last seen on March 11, 2025, when he informed his family that he would be returning home, but he never arrived. His disappearance sparked widespread concern and a social media campaign aimed at locating him.
Lee's family reported him missing on March 12, after he failed to return as promised. On the day he went missing, he was captured on CCTV cameras getting off a train at Gloucester station around 3:33 PM. Despite initial searches focusing on Bristol, it became clear that Lee had traveled further than anticipated.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed on March 25, 2025, that a body had been discovered in Gloucester during the ongoing search efforts. Although formal identification has yet to take place, Lee's family has been informed of the development. A police spokesperson stated, "A body was found in Gloucester yesterday during the search for a 36-year-old man who had been reported missing from Evesham. While formal identification has not yet taken place, Lee Horton's family has been informed. The circumstances of the death are not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
The investigation into Lee's disappearance revealed some puzzling details. On the morning of March 11, he attempted to check into a hotel in Bristol but was turned away because he wanted to pay in cash, while the establishment only accepted card payments. This incident raised concerns among his family, who were initially not worried about his trip, as it was not out of character for Lee to explore new places.
After he was seen on CCTV getting off the train at Gloucester, police conducted extensive inquiries, reviewing footage from nearly 100 cameras to trace Lee's movements. He was seen leaving Gloucester station at 3:33 PM and was last spotted leaving an ASDA store before heading towards Station Road at 3:46 PM. However, after this sighting, there was no further activity detected on his phone or financial accounts.
Lee's brother, Kieran Horton, expressed the family’s distress during the search, describing the two weeks following Lee's disappearance as an emotional "rollercoaster." Kieran took to social media, posting updates and appealing for information about his brother. In a heartfelt message, he stated, "We love him and he's an important part of everybody's lives. Obviously, it has been very emotional like a rollercoaster. The worst part of it is the not knowing, not knowing anything. It's very difficult."
The family's efforts to locate Lee included the creation of a Facebook group titled "Bring Lee Home," which garnered over 2,300 members who shared updates and information about the search. Kieran thanked the community for their support, stating, "We cannot thank everyone enough for your hard work, time and efforts, getting Lee's name out there, and helping my family find Lee. Thank you for your love, kindness, and support during this difficult period."
As the investigation continues, the police are preparing a file for the coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding Lee's death. While the family awaits formal identification, they are grappling with the reality of their loss and the unanswered questions surrounding Lee's final moments.
The tragic case of Lee Horton highlights the emotional toll that missing persons cases can take on families and communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community support during such trying times. As the investigation unfolds, the hope remains that the family will find the closure they desperately seek.
