Soldier who suffered ‘violent or unnatural death’ found trapped under boat with ropes around his body

A soldier, who was found dead in a river in Kent, suffered a “violent or unnatural” death, an inquest has heard.

Charlie Saywell, 25, was discovered trapped under a boat in the River Medway last month, with ropes bound around his body.

The soldier had been on a night out before jumping into a taxi to his barracks, the court heard. He then left the vehicle early to buy some takeaway food, walking past Primark on Chatham High Street on his way.

Police have said that Saywell may have been assaulted by a driver after “mistakenly” getting into an unidentified car in the early hours of March 5.

Saywell, who is described by friends as a “true role model”, is understood to have had a phone call with a friend before his death where he indicated that he was attacked.

Detectives believe he may have suffered facial injuries due to the assault.

His body was recovered from the water the next day at 10.46am.

The inquest heard that Saywell died of drowning, however, it was in a “violent or unnatural” manner.

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Det Sgt Karen Caulfield said the force is keen to work out how Charlie ended up in the river.

She said: “While we do not have specific information about where Charlie went between 12.10am and 2.40am, he had a phone conversation before his death which indicated he may have suffered an assault in the town during that period,” she explained.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen Charlie walking in the Gillingham and Chatham areas during these times.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anybody who saw him in a fast-food outlet or involved in an altercation in or near to a car.

“At this stage, we are not treating Charlie’s death as suspicious, however, it is important we understand where he visited and what happened to him prior to his tragic death.”

He was last spotted wearing a dark, navy T-shirt and khaki cargo trousers.

His mother, Victoria Brown, has begged anyone with any information to go to the police.

She said: “If you have witnessed my son Charlie’s movements during the early hours of that morning and can offer any information, however small, please can you contact Kent Police so our family can have some answers about what happened to him.”

Friends set up a GoFundMe in his honour, which has raised more £4,000 so far.

Joe Leishman, who has set up the fundraiser, wrote of his friend: “For those who did not have the privilege of knowing Charlie, he was a remarkable individual—a true role model in both stature and character.

“As a Sapper in the British Army, serving proudly as part of the Royal Engineers, Charlie exemplified dedication and service to his country. It is with great sadness that we recently lost him at the age of 25.

“As preparations are made for his service, I recognize the importance of honouring Charlie with the utmost respect.

“Any contributions toward supporting the family would be sincerely appreciated.

“It is the least we can do for someone who touched so many lives.”