THERE has been a huge of outpouring support for the family and friends of Gareth Jones after a search for the missing 69-year-old was scaled back yesterday afternoon.
The operation lasted more than 20 hours and involved a large number of emergency teams working with volunteers to try and find him.
But efforts were scaled back after police were shown CCTV footage of Gareth and his dog, appearing to be swept into the sea in Portslade.
He was reported missing on Saturday afternoon, having last been seen walking his dog by Fish, a fishmonger near Portslade seafront, at about 1pm on Saturday.
It has been reported that Gareth entered the water to try and save his dog, a brown cockapoo, not far from the site.
After he was reported missing, Sussex Police issued an appeal for information on his whereabouts which sparked a huge community effort in Brighton and Hove.
The force's plea for information was shared throughout the city with flyers handed out in Hove asking people to keep an eye out for Gareth.
And large volunteer search teams joined emergency crews in scouring the seafront to try and track him down throughout the weekend.
- READ MORE: Search for missing Hove man scaled down after police shown CCTV of him being 'swept into the sea'
Search efforts were only scaled back when, shortly after 4.30pm yesterday, Sussex Police confirmed that CCTV footage had surfaced which "shows Gareth and his dog sadly getting swept out to sea".
"Coastguard and lifeboat crews have now been stood down from the search, but police officers and volunteers are continuing to search the coastline," a force spokesman said.
Following this tragic update, tributes and messages of support flooded in for Gareth and his family from friends and residents who had helped search for the much-loved 69-year-old.
Many such messages were left on The Argus' social media pages.
Gareth's neighbour Karen Hollis described the scaling back of search efforts as "heartbreaking news".
She said: "One of the nicest most generous of people. Thoughts go to his family at this sad time."
Sophie Valerie added: "Such a lovely man. Thinking of his family."
And Emma Fowler paid tribute to Gareth's professional achievements.
- READ MORE: Heartbroken daughter of missing Hove man shares emotional message with those aiding search efforts
She said: "You were an absolute inspiration in life, the work you did and the knowledge you shared with people changed the way we look at leadership. You'll be hugely missed. I loved being taught by you."
Those who knew Gareth were joined by residents who had shared the appeal and helped with the search efforts in sending their thoughts to Gareth's family at this time.
Sarah Clark said: "Condolences to all his family and friends. People tried so hard to find him."
Gary Schofield said: "Heartbreaking for the family to lose two members in such tragic circumstances. The searchers should be commended for their efforts."
Pauline Thomas described Gareth as a "hero" following reports he had entered the water "to help his pup".
"May both their beautiful souls rest in peace," she said.
And Neil Hicks said: "Beyond sad. Thank you to all the kind people who helped looking for this gentleman. Deepest condolences to family and friends."
If you would like to leave a tribute to Gareth, or a message of support for his family, you can do this by clicking the button below.
Community answers
Tributes to missing Hove man Gareth Jones
"Search efforts for Hove man Gareth Jones were scaled down yesterday afternoon after police viewed CCTV footage which appeared to show the 69-year-old and his dog being swept out to sea. You can leave your tributes to Gareth and messages of support for his family below."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Leave your tribute belowDear Robbie and family. Soo very sorry to hear about your dad and your little dog. Your dad was such a lovely man and we will all miss him. This is really sad. Love to you and your family. Take care. Rog from the Poet.
Leave your tribute belowRiP Gareth and connie a lovely gentleman..taken so tragically..my sincere condolences to your familyx
Leave your tribute belowSo shocked and upset to catch this on the news tonight. Gareth helped me with an enormous amount of support in our partner development programme at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He held a group in his hands but with a very human and humorous touch - I shared many hours with him - always inciteful always humorous but always brave and challenging in his comments - he was determined to make a difference in a big way - such a great loss - many condolences regards Moira Hopes (Elms)
Leave your tribute belowI never knew this man but this story has touched me. I would have done the same for my dog and even if it was someone else’s dog in trouble. Condolences to Gareths family anc I hope Gareth and his beautiful dog Rest In Peace together . God Bless x
Leave your tribute belowA true Gentleman and an inspiration every time I had the pleasure of his company. He will be deeply missed by all and my sincerest condolences and thoughts go to his family.
Leave your tribute belowI had the privilege of knowing Gareth at Swansea University. We met up in our first year having both come from Cardiff and went on to share houses, the odd visit to a pub and the "occasional" beer. He had a brilliant mind and liked nothing more than a good argument about politics. We lost touch but I still consider him a good friend. He was a true character.
Leave your tribute belowso sorry to hear this sad news thinking of you all at this sad time
Leave your tribute belowIn our thoughts and deepest sympathy to all the family ,Ricky and Tania martin
Leave your tribute belowGareth was very dear friend and mentor and a beautiful caring soul. I am deeply saddened by this terrible news. Shirley, Robbie and the girls were deeply loved by him as were so many of his friends. He was a teacher and a thinker and a kind and caring friend. Mary Ann and I are grief stricken.
Leave your tribute belowThinking of his wife and family . RIP
Leave your tribute belowI’m so so sorry 😢 I was routing for his return I’m sorry this is the outcome thoughts are with his family and friends RIP GARETH AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL DOG XX
Leave your tribute belowHe was a lovely, genuinely nice man, what happened proves how lovely he was, the whole family are lovely & my heart goes out to them all. He will be sorely missed by them & everyone who knew him, may he & his fur baby RIP
Leave your tribute belowGareth taught me about leadership at business school. He was a compelling, generous and funny. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Leave your tribute belowGareth had a way of connecting with people that set him apart from others. He cared genuinely about making you feel heard and making your life better and he never compromised his integrity. He loved to socialise, share a joke and grab every opportunity life had to offer. Above all he valued family and our family was the better for knowing him . We will hold him in our hearts: Ali, Dave, Laurie, George.
Leave your tribute belowSo so sorry for your loss and to hear such sad news. Please do let me know if there is anything at all I can do at any time to help you in any way.
Leave your tribute belowI worked with Gary at LBS in the 90's. He was a brilliant teacher, so vital and funny. Condolences to all his family.
Leave your tribute belowWhat a very sad story, he looked a lovely kind man. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Leave your tribute belowMy heart goes out to you ,all I can say is he sounds as though he was a wonderful man and remember you cannot lose your memories of him and the little dog
Leave your tribute belowRip Gareth . You will be sadly missed by many .
Leave your tribute belowWill all miss him at hove Station what a lovely man and dad always said hello from Jo hove gates
Leave your tribute belowSuch a warm and kind man. Am lost for words..... My heart goes out to his family.
Leave your tribute belowNo words can describe the devastation this has caused in losing two members of the family. My thoughts go out to you 😥
Leave your tribute belowTo Shirley and family, our deepest commiserations at this terrible time Cathy and Donal O’Riordan
Leave your tribute belowSo sad to hear this completely tragic news. Gareth and I worked together while he was at Polygram. I learnt a lot from him, he was a wonderful orator and always great fun. My condolences go to his family at this dreadful time
Leave your tribute belowSo so sad in these surreal times
Leave your tribute belowI didn't know Gareth very well, but liked him and I'm saddened by this news.
Leave your tribute belowI and my work colleague Dean our totally stunned by this news. This lovely Gentleman was a regular on our fruit and veg stall at the top of George Street in Hove. It was only on Thursday that he stopped to have a chat and order some produce. Always had a smile on him and loved to stop for a chat, mostly about football and how Spurs were doing. Can totally understand the messages of support for his family at their tragic loss. Condolences to his family at this awful time.
Leave your tribute belowSo sorry to hear the sad news my condolences to family and friends of Gareth and dog my deepest sympathy and thoughts to all x x
Leave your tribute belowSo so sorry to read this news report. Absolutely heartbreaking. Seems like such a wonderful man and a beautiful dog. I hope you find peace in the days and weeks ahead and am keeping hope that Gareth may still be found safe and well. From a fellow dog owner with heartfelt wishes!
Leave your tribute belowWhat a loss - his contribution to the field of leadership is immeasurable. Sad, sad news and my deepest sympathies to his family.
Leave your tribute belowSo sorry to hear about your loss. My partner and I were walking in that area and are very sad to hear this news. May they both rest in peace.
Leave your tribute belowSorry about the sad loss of gareth and the dog i remember gareth from seeing him around hove
Leave your tribute belowI am sure a number of Friends of Hove Lagoon Supporters and users of the Lagoon knew Gareth and Connie well and I am writing on their behalf. If there is anything I can do please let us know.
Tributes to missing Hove man Gareth Jones
Search efforts for Hove man Gareth Jones were scaled down yesterday afternoon after police viewed CCTV footage which appeared to show the 69-year-old and his dog being swept out to sea. You can leave your tributes to Gareth and messages of support for his family below.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel