Joseph Day was a much-loved team member at TVNZ, where he worked as a cameraman. Photo / NZME
An investigation will begin this week into the death of New Zealander Joseph Day, whose body was recovered from Avon Gorge in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
The 31-year-old had been living in Bristol with fiancée Kelsey Mulcahy when he disappeared on April 30.
Mulcahy had travelled to London that day and had been texting with Day until around 9.30pm when he suddenly stopped replying.
When she returned to their flat the next morning to find him gone, she raised the alarm.
Tragically, Day's body was found three days later in Avon Gorge.
An investigation by the Avon Coroner into Day's death will begin on May 26, Avon and Somerset police confirmed to the Herald.
"A hearing is held to 'open' the inquest – often within a couple of weeks of the death – and it is then adjourned to allow full reports to be submitted.
"Once they have been received, a more detailed hearing, where the coroner will make a conclusion about how a person's death came about, will then be held in due course."
Avon and Somerset police said they were carrying out inquiries on behalf of the coroner who at the inquest would determine how Day's death occurred.
Earlier this month, Day's family said they believed his death was the result of a "terrible accident".
Day formerly worked as a cameraman at TVNZ, where he was a much-loved team member.
TVNZ released a statement on May 15 on behalf of Day's family.
"From the evidence that has been presented to us by the police, as a family we believe that Joseph has had a terrible accident," it said.
In the days following Day's death, Mulcahy shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late partner on social media, saying she would always be "Mrs Day" in her heart.
"Empathetic, creative, funny, generous, humble, kind, clever, protective, gentle. The most handsome guy in every room by a mile," Mulcahy said.
Cricketer Josh Tasman-Jones had known Day since he was 5 – and Day had recently been a groomsman in his wedding.
He said Day was "genuine and loyal" - a kind, softly spoken man who lived by his morals - the sort of person you could trust to be there for you.
Just over $108,000 was fundraised through Givealittle to help support Day's family and cover costs related to bringing his body home.
A celebration of Day's life for family and friends will be held at the Auckland Town Hall on Thursday, May 26 at 11am.
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