The mysterious death of a County Durham man found with a head wound inside his home in Spain will be examined at a UK inquest. Brett Dryden, 35, was discovered dead at his property in Mojácar, Almería.
The father-of-one, originally from County Durham, had lived in Spain for around five years. Initial reports said Brett had a wound measuring approximately four to five centimetres across his forehead, while blood was found in several areas of the property.
Investigation and Disputed Findings
Spanish authorities launched an investigation and conducted a post-mortem examination. His death was initially treated as accidental, with Spanish forensic findings reportedly attributing it to an adverse reaction to drugs. Brett's family disputed that account and campaigned for further investigation.
His body was subsequently examined in Britain. According to reports in Spain, a UK pathologist concluded that Brett had suffered blunt-force trauma and injuries considered consistent with an assault. The pathologist reportedly suggested that Brett died after blood entered his airway while he was unconscious.
Inquest Scheduled
Those reported findings are expected to be considered at an inquest scheduled for 10am on January 8, 2027 in South Shields. His mum, Sandra Dryden, announced the date publicly and said: “The loss we feel is immense. Brett is missed beyond words.”
Her son was found dead on 21 July 2024. The inquest is intended to establish who died and how, when and where the death occurred.
CCTV and Missing Items
Spanish newspaper Diario de Almería reports that a Guardia Civil investigation examined CCTV appearing to show two people with their faces covered entering Brett's home. Footage reportedly showed them leaving the property shortly afterwards.
Brett's iPhone, car keys and a sum of cash were reported missing. However, investigators were unable to establish the identities of those captured on the footage, and no one has been charged in connection with Brett's death.
Appeal and Reward
The Court of First Instance and Preliminary Investigation Number Four in Vera subsequently ordered the provisional dismissal of the proceedings because no suspected perpetrator had been identified. The family's legal representatives are reportedly appealing that decision to the Provincial Court of Almería in an attempt to have the investigation reopened.
Brett's relatives have also hired private investigators and offered a €20,000 (approx £16,690) reward for information that helps establish what happened to him. The Foreign Office previously confirmed that it was supporting the family and had contacted the relevant Spanish authorities. Sandra said the family hopes the UK inquest will provide clarity about her son's final moments. Brett is survived by his young daughter.
