Body found in Wales' Menai Strait after soldier, 25, reported missing

A soldier has been found dead in a Welsh waterway just hours after he was reported missing.

Stephen Hughes, 25, of the Royal Welsh regiment, vanished from the Bethel area at around 8.30pm on August 12. Shortly after 11:30pm on the same day, his body was recovered from the Menai Strait, near Bethel in Gwynedd. His disappearance prompted appeals for information across a number of online platforms, including a group focused on locating missing veterans, service personnel, and emergency workers.

North Wales Police confirmed the tragic discovery with chief inspector Jon Aspinall stating: "My thoughts are with Stephen's family who are being supported by officers. The coroner has been updated and there are thought to be no suspicious circumstances."

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In a brief tribute, a former colleague described Stephen as one of the kindest people he knew. The colleague said: "RIP Steve. You were one of the kindest most genuine and caring blokes I've met. You will be sorely missed. Until the final RV brother."