Tributes have been paid to a British holidaymaker found dead in woods near a Spanish holiday resort after it was confirmed the body was his. Well-placed Spanish sources have said it is “highly likely” the dead man is Josh Rogers, who went missing at the weekend from his hotel in Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava. His loved ones had been appealing on expat social media sites for information on his whereabouts.
Overnight tributes were paid to Wolverhampton Wanderers fan Josh, from Bloxwich near Walsall in the West Midlands, as police insiders confirmed his identity. Friends have now launched a GoFundMe appeal to help his relatives with the costs of his repatriation and ‘farewell’ funeral. It had raised just over £1,800 of its £2,200 target by early this morning. Organiser Kimberley Lewis said: “We are all devastated to hear the sudden and heartbreaking news that Josh has passed away while in Spain. His loss has left an unimaginable void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.
“This page has been set up to help support Josh’s family to ease the pressure of travel and funeral costs, and give them space to grieve without added stress.”
She added in a subsequent update: “Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far. Your generosity means more to the family than words can express. The funds will go toward essential costs during this incredibly difficult time.”
Social media tributes poured in. Mick Tambs wrote: “Took me till now to post this so upset. RIP Josh Rogers. Still can’t come to terms. Watched you turn into the lad you was next to my son’s best mates. I hope you’re at peace now son.” Liam Johnson Clarke added: “R.I.P Josh Rogers.
“So sad to hear the news. Great to grow up with you at Molineux or playing football or seeing you out up Walsall back in the day. Rest easy mate.” Laura Potts said: “RIP Josh Rogers. Such a lovely lad. Had some good laughs with you in the registry and Wetherspoons. Gone way too soon. Thinking of your family.”
Josh had been sharing his excitement online about his holiday to Lloret before flying out last Friday. He posted a photo of a glass of Strongbow cider at Birmingham Airport, adding: “Get me on that plane.”
Nine days before departure, he noted: “There’s my toiletries packed and a couple of bits. Roll on next Friday.” He also posted a tribute to boxer Ricky Hatton, who had recently passed away.
His body was discovered around 7pm on Tuesday by a man walking in woods near a residential estate just outside Lloret de Mar’s town centre. Spanish police have ruled out foul play, though the cause of death is not yet confirmed.
The discovery comes amid several recent incidents involving British tourists in Spain.
Last Saturday, police found the body of Andrew Wade, 65, missing since August 15 near Marbella. Clifford Wildgoose, 76, who vanished in Puerto Banus the same day, was later found and flown back to the UK after hospital treatment.
Also on Tuesday, a 58-year-old British holidaymaker drowned at Cap Sant Pere beach in Cambrils, south of Tarragona.
He was spotted floating in the water by his wife, who raised the alarm.
The area is close to Llarga Beach in Salou, where two Birmingham children, Ameiya and Ricardo Junior Paris, 13 and 11, tragically drowned in July while on holiday with their family.
