Latest news with #Donavan
The Independent
04-03-2025
- The Independent
Cold case appeal: Police renew search for father missing for 15 years
Fifteen years after the disappearance of a father-of-two, police have launched a fresh appeal for information. Donavan Van Lill, a 29-year-old originally from South Africa, was last seen at his home in Pewsham on the morning of March 3, 2010. His colleagues raised the alarm when he failed to appear at a leisure centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire, where he worked as a personal trainer, that afternoon. There were no signs of a disturbance or forced entry at his home, police said. His white Citroen Saxo also remained on the drive, unmoved from the previous evening. Despite extensive police operations and numerous appeals over the past decade and a half, no trace of Mr Van Lill has ever been found. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, hoping to finally provide answers for his family. Detective Inspector Debbie Hatch, of Wiltshire Police, said: 'All outstanding missing person cases remain open and are revisited periodically in case new evidence comes to light. We remain committed to finding out what happened to Donavan. 'Donavan was a reliable employee, so when he didn't show up, and his colleagues were unable to reach him on his mobile phone they were immediately concerned. 'He was a physically fit young man, who enjoyed his work and playing rugby for Corsham. 'The previous investigations have not uncovered any reason as to why he would have voluntarily left Chippenham without telling his friends and family of his intentions. 'I believe that the local community of Chippenham holds key information that might help us understand what happened to Donavan and urge anyone with information no matter how small or insignificant you think the information is to speak to us. 'Your information could prove vital to our investigation and help provide Donavan's family with much needed closure.' Martin Sugden, a swimming instructor and former soldier, stood trial at Bristol Crown Court in 2011 for Mr Van Lill's murder but was found not guilty by a jury.
BBC News
04-03-2025
- BBC News
Donavan Van Lill: New appeal over Chippenham man's disappearance
A fresh appeal has been launched by police 15 years after the disappearance of a father of of Donavan Van Lill, 29, raised the alarm on 3 March 2010 when he did not show up for work in Chippenham, WiltshireWiltshire Police said it "remains committed" to finding out what happened to him. and believes the answer to his disappearance will be found in the local have urged anyone who might know something to share it "no matter how small or insignificant". 'No sign of disturbance' The last known sighting of Mr Van Lill - a leisure centre staff member and keen Corsham rugby player - was at 01:00 GMT on 3 March 2010 at his home address at 3 Blackthorn Mews in Pewsham, near landlord, who was also a friend, reported that Mr Van Lill was on his way to bed, and all seemed well. Mr Van Lill was believed to have been at his home until about 10:00 GMT that day but never arrived at the Olympiad Leisure Centre, where he was due to start work at 14: said there was no sign of a disturbance or any evidence of forced entry, and his white Citroen Saxo was found on the drive where he had left it the evening despite extensive police operations and several appeals for information over the past 15 years, no trace of him has been found. Police said Mr Van Lill was known as a "reliable employee", so colleagues were concerned when he did not answer his investigations have not shown a reason why he might have "voluntarily left Chippenham without telling his friends and family of his intentions". Det Insp Debbie Hatch from Wiltshire Police said: "We remain committed to finding out what happened to Donavan."I believe that the local community of Chippenham holds key information that might help us understand what happened to Donavan and urge anyone with information no matter how small or insignificant you think the information is to speak to us."Your information could prove vital to our investigation and help provide Donavan's family with much needed closure" she added.
