A tragic discovery has been made in the intensive search for a missing teenager who had not been seen since last being spotted at an Isle of Wight beach. Eighteen-year-old Chris Koppany, from Ryde, vanished and his absence was noted on last Thursday around 7pm at a beach near Binstead, which prompted a police appeal to locate him.
In response to reports early hours of Friday concerning a man failing to return from a swim near Ryde, the Coastguard activated search efforts. The operation included a Lee-on-the-Solent search and rescue helicopter and four Coastguard Rescue teams combing the area. In a sad development, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police announced that they found the body of a man on Saturday morning.
Whilst formal identification is pending, the bereaved family of Mr. Koppany has been notified, and the case will be passed to the coroner for further inquiry. Isle of Wight Police shared the sombre news on Facebook, posting: “Officers searching for missing Chris Koppany from Ryde have sadly discovered the body of a man this morning (Saturday 24 August). Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Chris’ family have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner. Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.”
Social media users have poured out their heartfelt grief upon hearing the news. One individual wrote: “I’ve known Chris for the majority of my life, I’m at a complete loss for words. My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family and everyone who knew him and what a kind soul he was.”
One Facebook user expressed their sorrow, writing: “Devastating news, such a lovely young man with a bright future. This family are just amongst the most beautiful kind and talented people you could have the privilege to meet. Words cannot express how shocked and sorry we are xx. RIP.”
Another heartfelt tribute read: “Oh no that’s very sad, I only saw him working, at the Fish and Chip shop, on Wednesday lunchtime. This is so tragic, especially when you only saw the person, just a few days ago, heartbreaking, condolences go out, to the family respectively. RIP.”