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Benidorm death: Somerset man's body flown home Benidorm death: Somerset man's body flown home
(32 minutes later)
The body of a man who went missing in Benidorm last year has finally been flown home.The body of a man who went missing in Benidorm last year has finally been flown home.
Phil Pearce, 68, from Bridgwater in Somerset, vanished while visiting the Spanish resort in September. He was suffering from dementia before he died.Phil Pearce, 68, from Bridgwater in Somerset, vanished while visiting the Spanish resort in September. He was suffering from dementia before he died.
His body was found in February in open countryside near a cemetery. Police said the cause of death was unknown. His body was found in November in open countryside near a cemetery. Police said the cause of death was unknown.
Mr Pearce's family said they were relieved the "nightmare" was over, and they could now plan his funeral.Mr Pearce's family said they were relieved the "nightmare" was over, and they could now plan his funeral.
His body was found in November but police did not tell his two sons until February because of difficulties identifying him.
Lee Pearce said his father's body had not been sent home sooner because a femur bone was sent away for testing, and was only recently returned.Lee Pearce said his father's body had not been sent home sooner because a femur bone was sent away for testing, and was only recently returned.
He said the coronavirus pandemic had also contributed to the delay.He said the coronavirus pandemic had also contributed to the delay.
"We're so relieved. He's now back home with his loved ones in his home town," he said."We're so relieved. He's now back home with his loved ones in his home town," he said.
Mr Pearce said the bone "turned up" on 20 April, which meant the family could go ahead with repatriating the body.Mr Pearce said the bone "turned up" on 20 April, which meant the family could go ahead with repatriating the body.
He said the family told the Spanish authorities they "did not want 75% of our dad back".He said the family told the Spanish authorities they "did not want 75% of our dad back".
"We wanted the full 100%," he added.
Mr Pearce said he was still unsure what his father had died of, and said he had been "fit and healthy".Mr Pearce said he was still unsure what his father had died of, and said he had been "fit and healthy".
"Yes, he had mild memory loss, but that doesn't cause you to die," he said."Yes, he had mild memory loss, but that doesn't cause you to die," he said.