Heartbreaking tributes to ‘loving gentle giant' found dead at Scots council headquarters
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HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a "loving" man who was found dead at Edinburgh's council headquarters.
He has been named locally as Sean Stephen following his mystery death at the City Chambers on the capital's High Street.
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Sean Stephen has been named locally following his death in Edinburgh
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The 38-year-old was found unresponsive at the City Chambers
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Emergency crews raced to the scene at around 9.10am after police received a report of an unresponsive man inside the building's customer support hub.
The 38-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His death is currently being treated as "unexplained" by cops, but it is not believed to be suspicious.
A fundraiser has now been set up by one of Sean's close friends, who paid tribute to the "loving gentle giant".
He was well-known throughout the southside of Edinburgh, and his friends and family have been left "absolutely devastated".
They said Sean had been missing since July 1, with multiple posts shared on social media during a frantic search.
The post read: "I'm looking to raise some funds towards Sean's funeral costs. It's to lift a bit of pressure off his wife Julie and family.
"Sean went missing on the July 1, 2025 and unfortunately was found dead on July 7.
"This was very unexpected as he's only 38 years old and had his full life ahead of him.
"He was the most loving gentle giant you'd ever meet. He was born and bred in Southside area of Edinburgh and was well known by a lot of people.
Man, 39, dies in hospital after 'major incident' in Scots town as cops lock down street & arrest suspect
"I was like a sister to Sean, we are absolutely devastated that he was found dead unexplained.
"Any help would be appreciated to give him the best send off he deserves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Edinburgh City Council's website is urging locals to use the city's customer hub as the High Street office is closed this week.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 9.10am on Monday, 7 July, we received a report of an unresponsive person at a premises on High Street, Edinburgh.
"Emergency services attended and a man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The death is being treated as unexplained but not believed to be suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
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