By CATHY ARONSON
A homeless man found dead in the Waikato River was a well-educated computer programmer who had a mental breakdown and turned to the streets.
The body, found snagged in debris on June 22, was that of David Richard Edwards, aged 34, who had been missing from Waikato Hospital's mental health unit, the Henry Bennett Centre, since June 9.
Police discovered the real name of the man, who used the alias Richard Evans, after finding a signature scribbled on a box in the concrete shed he lived in by the river.
Detective Constable Gavin Hall said family members who claimed Mr Edwards' body said they had not seen him for years.
Hamilton woman Lee Weller, who owns a restaurant near where Mr Edwards lived, said they would greet each other every morning, but she only knew him as "the hermit."
She said a hotel-owner had given him permission to live in the shed on his property overlooking the Waikato, and locals joked that he had the best view in the city.
Mrs Weller said Mr Edwards had acted like a security guard for the neighbouring properties.
"He was very gentle and he just liked his privacy. He was like a friendly stray cat."
Mrs Weller had been visited by Mr Edwards' cousins.
"They were just as curious about his life in recent years, as I was about his background.
"It's like piecing together bits of a puzzle but it ends with a very sad picture. I can't help but wonder if I could have done something more to help him."
Police do not believe the death is suspicious.
Staff at the centre are investigating Mr Edwards' disappearance.
Hermit's past unlocked
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