The heartbroken family of Gabriel Kariuki have paid tribute to the "gentle soul" and thanked the Hartlepool community in the UK for their support.
The 26-year-old disappeared from his home on May 17 sparking a five-week search for answers.
Gabriel’s family was contacted by Cleveland Police after having confirmed that the body found on Tuesday, June 29 was indeed his.
His mother described her son as someone who touched their hearts in a way they will never be able to describe.
"He would go out of his way as your friend to make sure you were ok, he just went above and beyond," said the emotional mum
An inquest into his death is expected to shortly open. However, according to a spokesman, “Gabriel’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Gabriel’s mum previously shared a touching video clip of a rockery tribute to her son and has been described as a "loved son, nephew, cousin and friend."
His cousin, who did not reveal his name to the media, mourned him as a kind young man, "Gabriel touched our hearts in a way we will never be able to describe, It’s hard to comprehend that you're gone.”
He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2017 with hopes of becoming a quantity surveyor.
Gabriel, who was known as 'GG', recently moved to Hartlepool and lived in the town with his mum.
He was from a tight-knit family who will cherish countless memories together.
He was also described as a "sporty and athletic young man" who enjoyed rugby, basketball and boxing.
His Family have also thanked Cleveland Police for their support as well as Facebook groups and Gabriel's friends who’ve been so kind and selfless to them the entire time.
A fundraising page has been launched to help the family give Gabriel a befitting send-off. With more than Ksh 623,417 raised in less than 24-hours by 160 donations.
The funds will be used to help cover funeral expenses as well as to contribute to a trip to Mount Kenya. Gabriel's cousin explained how it was always his dream to climb Mount Kenya with his mum so they will honour his wish by making the trip.
According to the Death/Bereavement Information Sheet in Kenya prepared by the British High Commission, Nairobi.
When a loved one dies in the UK, If the deceased had travel insurance, the next of kin must contact the insurance company without delay.
If the deceased had no insurance cover, the cost of repatriation or cremation will have to be met by the family. The British High Commission and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not meet these costs. The next of kin should also be aware that all hospital bills would have to be paid before the body can be released to the funeral directors.
A reputable funeral director can assist with all the arrangements and obtain all necessary documentation. If a death is sudden and unexpected this may be treated as a police case and a police officer may attend the post mortem.
Once the cause of death has been established, a burial permit and death notification will be issued. These are then used to obtain the death certificate. The Next of Kin will need to decide whether to: repatriate the deceased’s remains to the UK, have a local burial in Kenya or have a local cremation in Kenya.
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