Family pay heartbreaking tributes to British man after his body was found washed up on Benidorm beach
Tributes have been paid to a 'dedicated family man' after his body was found washed up on a beach in the Spanish coastal resort of Benidorm.
Jeff Duffield was found dead on Wednesday evening, just hours after his wife had alerted the police and reported him missing on social media.
Police were initially unable to identify the body of the British man, who was found without any identification.
News of Mr Duffield's death was shared by his family on social media.
'We have unfortunately found out that Jeff has passed away,' a relative confirmed on Facebook.
'Thank you for all your lovely comments and please allow my mam the privacy she deserves.
'Not the usual happy post I imagine this group is used to so I apologise.'
The update was greeted with sadness by friends of Mr Duffield.
Benidorm tourist Jeff Duffield was found dead on Wednesday evening, just hours after his wife had alerted the police that he was missing
'Very sad news today to hear about the passing of a top lad and dedicated family man and old friend,' wrote one friend of Mr Duffield on social media
Mr Duffield's death comes after the body of fellow Benidorm tourist John George was discovered in January. Mr George was reported missing after failing to board his flight home
'Very sad news today to hear about the passing of a top lad and dedicated family man and old friend,' wrote one person.
Mr Duffield's wife had previously shared an anguished appeal for help with the group.
'My husband Jeff Duffield has been missing in Benidorm since 12.30 23/04/2025,' she wrote.
'I've reported it to police if anyone sees him please could you contact me, I'm worried sick. Thank you.'
The discovery of a body was confirmed by Spanish National Police the following day.
'We can confirm that a body was found on a beach in Benidorm last night,' said a police spokesperson.
'The individual has not been identified as there was no ID on his person.'
It is understood that the family did not approach the British Foreign Office for assistance.
Initial reports suggest that Mr Duffield's death is not being treated as suspicious.
The incident follows the fatal shooting of John George, a father-of-two from Belfast, whose body was discovered hidden lemon trees in an orchard between the towns of Rojales and Torrevieja in January.
After staying at a friend's home in nearby Alicante, the 37-year-old left to meet up with friends in Benidorm. HIs family reported him missing after he failed to catch a scheduled flight home.
Two arrests have since been made in connection with the case.
The incidents come against a wider backdrop of rising crime on the Costa Blanca, with police warning that local gangs are targeting tourists.
