Sussex man found dead in sea

9:00am Tuesday 23rd January 2007

A father of two has been found dead after he went missing for four days in a Spanish holiday resort.

The body of Lee Fitzgerald, 47, of Junction Road, Burgess Hill, who had many friends and relatives in Sussex, was recovered from the sea by police.

Mr Fitzgerald is believed to have fallen from rocks near Playa de las Americas in Tenerife.

His cousin Richard Fry last night paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald, saying he was a man with a generous spirit who had gone to the Canaries to start a new life only three months ago.

Mr Fitzgerald, who lived in Burgess Hill in recent years, was a devout Baptist, a successful businessman and a motorcycling enthusiast. Mr Fry, from Cuckfield, said: "He was involved in a lot of charitable activities connected to the church. He was a very giving person."

Mr Fitzgerald had given up his role in the family business, Mail International in Burgess Hill, which he ran with brother Peter. Set up in 1985, the firm now has more than 46 employees.

He had bought a house in the Canary Islands several years ago but decided on a permanent move last October. Last week he was reported missing. It is understood his body was found at the bottom of a cliff by a priest of the church Mr Fitgerald had joined in Tenerife.

Mr Fitzgerald leaves two teenage children Aaron and Emily, former wife Jenny, sister Jane and brother Peter.

He will be mourned by the congregation at Gateway Baptist Church in Station Road, Burgess Hill, where he had worshipped for years.

Pastor Paul Jacksonsaid: "He was a big guy with a big heart and a big personality. He was a man of great humour, deep thought and a compassionate nature." Bob Draper, from the Christian Motorcycle Association, said: "Lee had a fantastic sense of humour and we all miss him terribly."

Police have reportedly said Mr Fitzgerald's body was recovered fully clothed and showed no sign of violence.

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