Ron Ellis, originally from Bolton, vanished in the early hours of May 3, 2010, after leaving Sauna Sauna in Northwich, where he was manager. Police now believe he is dead, but how he died remains unclear.
His disappearance came after a belated 32nd birthday celebration in Manchester's Gay Village on April 30, 2010. He spent the afternoon drinking with a friend at bars along Canal Street before catching a train from Piccadilly Station to Northwich between 2pm and 3pm, arriving about an hour later. He returned to the sauna on Winnington Lane, which he ran with his partner, who owned it at the time.
Last seen at sauna
Ron, also known as drag queen Fanny Allcock, performed in pubs and clubs in the Village and Blackpool. He was well known and popular in the LGBTQ+ community. Over the Bank Holiday weekend he did a shift at the sauna, but it is believed he left the premises in the early hours of May 3 and was never seen again.
Police have recovered his mobile phone from the sauna. A "heated one way" telephone call he made just before he disappeared is considered significant, but the person on the other end has never been traced.
Detective Sgt Paul Davis, of Cheshire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team, said: "We have been told just before he went missing he had a one way conversation on his mobile phone at the sauna. But we don't know who that was with. We have never traced that person. It is ununsual he has had this type of conversation late in the evening and then gone missing."
Delay in reporting
Ron was not reported missing until two months after he vanished. A friend, Karen, became concerned after phoning him to wish him a happy birthday and getting no answer. He was eventually reported missing to police in Bolton in July 2010.
Detective Sgt Davis said: "Back in 2020 you didn't have the digital CCTV that you have now. By the time Ron was reported missing to us we were two months behind. There were a lot of missed opportunities there. Back then CCTV cameras would have been wiped by the time he was reported missing."
Ron's brother Andrew, who had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair, was a significant figure in his life. Ron was "really close" to him and would regularly visit and phone. Andrew died in 2019, and Ron did not attend the funeral. "That is significant to us as to whether Ron is alive or not," Detective Sgt Davis said.
Police believe Ron is dead
After Ron disappeared, his bank account was never used and there was no trace of him at hospitals or GP practices. Police believe he has died but the cause is unexplained. "He could have taken his own life and he could have had his life taken," said Detective Sgt Davis.
No one has been arrested in connection with the case. Detective Sgt Davis said: "What I am certain of is that someone knows exactly what has happened. I am 100 percent convinced on that. There is a few key people that have not come forward to speak to us. We need to emphasise to the LGBTQ community that we can offer the security that they will be dealt with in confidence and with integrity and anonymity if it has to be. They need to trust us - because they don't."
Sauna community urged to come forward
Sauna Sauna is the only place in the local area that operates the way it does, allowing gay or straight men to use facilities and have sex in a safe, secure environment. Detective Sgt Davis acknowledged that clients may lead double lives and are worried about their anonymity.
He said: "Sauna Sauna operates completely with anonymity. So if you were an outwardly straight man with gay tendencies you could turn up there as a married man and no one would know. It's a safe haven."
Detective Constable Laura Gilbert said: "We still have people grieving for Ron, who are still here and want to know what has happened to Ron."
Detective Sgt Davis described the case as "the hardest investigation I have ever took on" in his 30 years of policing. He added: "I have never had a case with so little leads. It is just bizarre. He has gone missing without a trace."
Friend's tribute
Karen, who reported Ron missing, described him as funny, generous and thoughtful. "He wanted to be famous. He wanted to be on Big Brother," she said. "He was very good at dancing too. He was actually in a Blackpool show at one point. He also worked as a barman in the Church pub at Bolton."
She said Ron's ultimate aim was to become his brother's carer. She believes Ron may have taken his own life or been killed. "My gut is telling me the other alternative but I have no proof whatsoever."
"I and his friends do think something is being covered up. It is mystery. You don't just get up in the middle of the night and disappear. I hope someone comes forward because if something has been done to him he deserves justice."
Appeal for information
Detective Sgt Davis appealed to taxi drivers, ex-employees of the sauna and customers who may have known Ron to come forward. "We will speak to people without judgement. My goal is to get closure on this case. I am not bothered what they do in their private life."
Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Constabulary via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/07CH24D63-PO1
