Family drank water from reservoir where decomposing son lay
Glen Godfrey, 38, was reported missing in December, and police assured his family that divers had thoroughly searched the nearby King George VI Reservoir in Staines, Surrey.
His body was eventually discovered six months later on May 13 this year, with his family members shocked and devastated that their home's water supply was sourced from the same reservoir that hid the body of their loved one.
The reservoir belongs to Thames Water, and supplies drinking water across London.
Mr Godfrey's cousin, Amy McGill, told The Sun that water recovery experts had said he was '100 per cent not in the reservoir' on the basis that 'flotation occurs after 37 days'.
Ms McGill said the family had 'begged police for answers and transparency' but said they had been 'extremely dismissive'.
'They don't want to tell us what they found in the post-mortem exam,' she said.
'These are really important details that could lead us to the truth as to what happened to him.'
Before Mr Godfrey's body was found, his family had led searches with a team of public volunteers.
Ms McGill said they paid for specialist search teams, even using search dogs, which had indicated that Mr Godfrey was in the reservoir.
She said police had 'dismissed' the findings. Glen Godfrey's body was found in the King George VI reservoir, near Heathrow Airport. Credit: Matthew Lloyd / Bloomberg
In response to the family's accusations, Surrey Police said officers 'carried out a robust investigation to initially find Glen, and subsequently when his body was found, to rule out any third party involvement in his death.'
Surrey Police said the investigation will be continued by the Surrey Coroner, and that an inquest will take place.
The family have created a petition for 'Glen's Law' to call for 'immediate, professional and effective responses to all missing persons cases'.
The petition states the law should include requirements for accountability of public services, consideration of third parties, compassionate communication and the appointment of family liaison officers.
'We cannot allow another family to endure the pain and suffering that lack of action and professionalism brings,' the petition reads.
'This is a call to our legislators, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to implement urgent systemic changes. Let us honour Glen Godfreys life by ensuring no other family feels this agony.'
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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