The heartbroken parents of Jude Gerrard have spoken of their unimaginable torment, revealing their son's body has been lying in a mortuary unidentified for nearly a year and a half despite their repeated attempts to find him.
Jude, who had been living in supported accommodation in Bristol, was reported missing in September 2022 when he suddenly vanished. What his family didn't know was that just two days after his disappearance, a man had been found dead near the M4 motorway - and that man was their son.
A System Failure
Despite Jude being on the missing persons list and his family's desperate searches, the system failed to connect the dots. The 26-year-old's body remained in a morgue while his parents, Sarah and Kevin Gerrard, continued searching for their beloved son.
"We were looking for him while he was in the morgue," Sarah told the Mirror, her voice breaking with emotion. "The police knew we were looking for him, and they knew they had a body."
The Devastating Discovery
The family's nightmare only ended in February 2024 - 17 months after Jude's death - when they finally discovered the truth through their own investigations. The coroner's office had been unable to identify Jude, leaving his parents in agonising limbo.
Jude, who had faced mental health challenges, was described by his family as "the kindest soul" who "wouldn't hurt a fly." His mother remembers him as someone who "loved his family deeply" and had a particular fondness for family holidays in Cornwall.
Demanding Answers
The Gerrard family are now demanding a full investigation into how this catastrophic failure could occur. They've questioned why dental records weren't checked sooner and why the missing persons report didn't lead to identification.
Avon and Somerset Police have acknowledged the case, stating they're "reviewing the circumstances" and preparing a report for the coroner. A police spokesperson expressed condolences to Jude's family while investigations continue.
This tragic case highlights serious concerns about communication between authorities and the handling of vulnerable missing persons, leaving a family forever changed by a loss compounded by systemic failure.
