Mystery as soldier, 25, found trapped under boat with ropes around body after suffering ‘violent or unnatural death’
A SOLDIER was found trapped under a boat with ropes around his body after suffering a “violent or unnatural death”, an inquest heard.
The chilling new details emerged after 25-year-old Charlie Saywell was discovered in the River Medway in Chatham, Kent, on March 5.
It is understood the soldier had got a taxi back to his barracks after a night out but then chose to walk into town to get food.
Police he may have been assaulted after getting he “mistakenly” got into an unidentified car and suffered facial injuries.
An inquest heard today how Charlie died from drowning but his death was clearly “violent or unnatural”.
The court in Maidstone heard how a worker who discovered Charlie saw him with rope around his torso and legs.
A full inquest was adjourned by Coroner Catherine Wood until June 4.
Kent Police said previously Charlie went for a walk into Chatham town centre between 12.10am and 2.40am on March 4.
It is understood he walked past Primark on Chatham High Street before visiting a fast food restaurant.
Police also confirmed Charlie had a phonecall before his death that “indicated he may have suffered an assault in the town during that period”.
His body was recovered from the River Medway, near Main Gate Road at 10.46am on March 5.
Charlie’s death is not currently being treated as suspicious, Kent Police said.
Officers said he was last seen wearing a dark navy coloured short sleeved t-shirt, khaki coloured cargo trousers and white trainers.
The soldier’s mum Victoria Brown begged for anyone with information to come forward.
She said: “If you have witnessed my son Charlie’s movements during the early hours of that morning and can offer any information, however small, please can you contact Kent Police so our family can have some answers about what happened to him.”
Police hoping to unravel mystery after fateful night out
Det Sgt Karen Caulfield said: “While we do not have specific information about where Charlie went between 12.10am and 2.40am, he had a phone conversation before his death which indicated he may have suffered an assault in the town during that period.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen Charlie walking in the Gillingham and Chatham areas during these times.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anybody who saw him in a fast-food outlet or involved in an altercation in or near to a car.
“At this stage we are not treating Charlie’s death as suspicious, however, it is important we understand where he visited and what happened to him prior to his tragic death.”
A GoFundMe set up to help the family has raised more than £4,000.
Organiser Joe Leishman wrote: “For those who did not have the privilege of knowing Charlie, he was a remarkable individual—a true role model in both stature and character.
“As a Sapper in the British Army, serving proudly as part of the Royal Engineers, Charlie exemplified dedication and service to his country. It is with great sadness that we recently lost him at the age of 25.
“As preparations are made for his service, I recognise the importance of honouring Charlie with the utmost respect. Any contributions toward supporting the family would be sincerely appreciated. It is the least we can do for someone who touched so many lives.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent Police appeal line on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/36226/24.