4 days ago
Fundraiser for Edinburgh man found dead at City Chambers gathers nearly £1k
The fundraiser for an Edinburgh man who was found dead at the City Chambers after being reported missing days earlier has gathered nearly £1,000.
Sean Stephen, 38, was tragically found unresponsive at the council building's customer support hub on Monday morning - six days after he was initially reported missing.
Police confirmed they received a report of concern for Sean, who failed to make a pre-arranged appointment, as enquiries were carried out to trace him. Edinburgh Council has since confirmed it is assisting police with their inquiries.
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Tributes have poured in following the death of Sean, who has been described as a "gentle giant" by those who knew him. A GoFundMe started by close friend Adele Ford has reached £960 in two days.
She wrote: "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 1st July 2025 and unfortunately was found dead on 7th July 2025.
"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.
"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 x."
Paying tribute to her husband, his wife Julie said: "Rest in peace Sean, I will forever love you." His step daughter added: "Never get a step dad like you in a lifetime, fly high big man."
To donate to the fundraiser towards Sean's funeral, you can do so here.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At 9.20pm on Tuesday, 1 July, 2025 we received a report of concern for a 38-year-old man in the Edinburgh area who failed to make an pre-arranged appointment.
"Enquiries were carried out to trace him. At 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.
An Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: 'We're continuing to assist Police with their inquiries and can't comment any further at this stage.'
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