Daniel Venes
(Picture: Kent Police)The body of a Kent artist missing for more than five months has been found on a beach in northern France.
Talented artist and musician Daniel Venes, 31, originally from Canterbury disappeared from Margate, Kent in August.
Detectives searching for him closed the case on Wednesday after being informed of a body on a beach across the English Channel.
Desperate friends offered rewards, sent out drones and handed out thousands of leaflets in a bid to locate his last movements.
But on Wednesday Kent Police said: “We were informed by Interpol that the body of a man had been discovered on a beach in northern France.
“Enquiries to establish the identity of the body are ongoing however the family of Daniel Venes, who was reported missing after he was last seen in Margate on Saturday 14 August 2021, have been informed.”
A Facebook group, Remembering Dan Venes, posted soon after: “There is no easy way to say this and I’ve feared this moment for months. Dan’s body has been found in France. I’ve just spoken to his dad. Sorry I don’t have more to say just don’t know what to say right now.
“Thank you to everyone who helped find Dan, it means so much to all his family and loved ones. He has one more trip to come home now.
“Fly high bro.”
Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page, collecting over £1,500 to have his body returned home to Kent.
Lucinda Rose wrote: “Dan was missing for 150+ days before his family got the awful call - the news they never wanted to receive.
“Dan’s body has been found in France it is with a very heavy heart that we have to share this tragic news with all who have been helping us.
“We really are thankful for everything everyone has done - this is the last thing we wanted the outcome to be.”
