Joseph Day: Has inquest started, what happened to him after he went missing in Bristol, where was body found?

Joseph Day was last heard from on April 30. He went missing from his home in Pembroke Road, Clifton.

There was a region-wide search for the young man since his disappearance. However, in the early hours of Tuesday 3 May the police recovered the body of a man in Avon Gorge.

On Wednesday 11 May, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said the body had been formally identified as being Joseph Day.

The spokesperson added officers will continue to carry out enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

On Monday 16 May, Mr Day’s family released a stated to BristolWorld which said they believed his death was a ‘terrible accident.’

An inquest has officially been opened into the death by the Coroner today (26 May).

Here is everything we know so far about the case.

Who is Joseph Day?

Joseph Day, 31-year old and originally from New Zealand, is a former cameraman for Sunday TV NZ, living in Bristol. He works in construction in the city.

When and where was he last seen?

Joseph Day’s last known location was at his home in Clifton on the evening of Saturday. Mr Day has not been heard from since 8.45pm on the same day.

Has an inquest been opened into Mr Day’s death?

Yes. The inquest into Mr. Day’s death began on Thursday May 26, 2022 at Avon Coroners Court in Flax Bourton. Senior Coroner Maria Voisin was told that 31-year-old Mr. Day was found at Avon Gorge, close to Clifton Observatory, on May 3 at 7.42am. The officer present added that Mr Day died from multiple injuries sustained by a fall. The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing in August to conclude how Mr Day’s death happened. Avon and Somerset Police have said they are still carrying out inquiries on behalf of the coroner.

What has fiancee Kelsey Mulcahy said?

Mr Day’s fiancee, Kelsey Mulcahy, put out an emotional plea for information on her partner’s whereabouts.

Miss Mulcahy told BristolWorld that her fiance’s disappearance ‘just didn’t make sense’ and was ‘completely out of character’.

Miss Mulcahy was in London with friends over the weekend of Mr Day’s disappearance, but told The Sydney Morning Herald that they had messaged back and forth before he stopped responding.

Two days after a body was recovered from the Avon Gorge Miss Mulcahy wrote a heartfelt tribute to her ‘soulmate’ saying that no one else would ‘compare’.

She went on to write: “The most beautiful heart and goofy laugh and smile. Committed to becoming a better version of yourself every single day.”

She added: “No one could understand how we feel about each other. No one understands that behind closed doors you are only even more wonderful.”

What are the details surrounding the discovery of a man’s body in Avon Gorge?

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that officers had found a body in Avon Gorge.

A statement said: “In the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 3 May) police located and recovered the body of a man in Avon Gorge, Bristol.”

“Our hearts go out to them and we thank them for their patience while enquiries into the circumstances of death continue.”

“We’d ask the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of Joseph’s family at this time.”

Since then, tributes have flooded in for the New Zealander from friends and past colleagues.

Mark Crysell, Sunday TV NZ correspondent tweeted: “Absolutely devastated to hear of Joe Day’s passing”

“Joe like his dad, Pete, was a much loved member of our ⁦@SundayTVNZ⁩ whanau - his beautiful eye & deep soul became pictures that lifted our stories to another level. Our deepest sympathies & love to Pete & mum, Feloani.”

Many others have tweeted there respect, and have started a fundraiser to bring Mr Day home, with over $100,000 NZ dollars raised.

A message on the fundraiser last week read: “We are completely overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and outpour of support”.

On Wednesday 11 May, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said the body had been formally identified as being Mr Day.

The spokeperson added police will continue to carry out enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

Now, Mr Day’s family has released a statement to BristolWorld in which they said they believed that his death was a ‘terrible accident’

The faily went on to say: “at this stage Joseph’s death is still being treated as unexplained and the coroner’s inquest has not yet been completed.

“From the evidence that has been presented to us by the police, as a family we believe that Joseph has had a terrible accident.

“We know that the Avon and Somerset police are under a great deal of pressure to give media a statement due to the exceptional public interest both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“There are still further lines of inquiry taking place and we do ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time until we have further answers.”

The family added that a celebration of Joseph’s life for family and friends will be held at the Auckland Town Hall on Thursday 26 May at 11am.