Family of deceased Briton calls for a second post-mortem examination

The family of Josh Rogers, a 33-year-old from Bloxwich, West Midlands, are demanding further testing after his body was discovered in woodland near Lloret de Mar, Spain, following a solo holiday trip.

Mr. Rogers disappeared on 20 September after leaving his hotel, and his body was located three days later, approximately a 20-minute walk from his accommodation. Catalan police concluded their investigation after a post-mortem showed no signs of violence or criminal activity. However, the family remain unconvinced and want additional examinations.

Ashley Rogers, his sister, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Spanish authorities, saying they had waited ten weeks for confirmation of the cause of death, information she believes is held by the Spanish coroners office. She added that the British Consulate has been supportive amid the delays.

DNA tests verifying Mr. Rogers identity were shared with the family only recently, days after the BBC inquired about the delays with Catalan police. Officials explained that these checks were standard since his DNA was not listed in any database.

Concerned about the investigation's thoroughness, Ashley Rogers pointed out that both cash and her brothers mobile phone, seen with him on CCTV, were missing. Josh would never just lose his phonehe was always in touch with family, she stated.

Mr. Rogers, who had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological condition affecting mobility, was a devoted Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter and may have been heading to a bar to watch a football match. His family insists his disappearance was uncharacteristic.

Mossos dEsquadra stated that no signs of violence were observed during the autopsy, and as no specific cause of death was detected, the case was closed as non-criminal. The family, however, plan to request a second post-mortem once his body is returned to the UK, citing previous instances where additional tests in Spain revealed new findings.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that while it has not been contacted for consular support, staff remain available to assist British nationals abroad at any time.

Author: Jackson Miller