Tributes for ‘mate’ found dead in city

FRIENDS of a man whose body was found in bushes outside the Royal Hobart Hospital have left tributes at the scene, saying their “dear mate” will never be forgotten.

The body was formally identified on Thursday as that of a 47-year-old local man.

A passer-by discovered the man’s decomposing body about 2am on Tuesday in bushes near the hospital’s emergency department ramp on the corner of Campbell and Liverpool streets.

Detective Inspector Adrian Bodnar said the man’s next of kin had been told of his death.

“The deceased has been identified as a 47-year-old man who had been residing in Hobart,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Insp Bodnar said the identification process had confirmed the preliminary identification made on Tuesday morning.

Bright bunches of flowers, cards and tributes have been left at the scene.

“Our dear mate Matty Lyons , youou will not bee forgotten. RIP ,”IP” one of the cards read.

Another had the words “Rest in Peace” with a love heart.

Police believe the man presented at the hospital on October 13 and was last seen about 7pm on October 15 in the Hobart area.

Insp Bodnar earlier this week said a pathologist’s report suggested there was no evidence of assault. The body was in a mild state of decomposition when it was discovered.

“I think in my 30 years of policing it’s one of the most unusual ones I’ve dealt with,” Insp Bodnar said.

“People walk past there every morning and every after- noon on thetheir way to anand from the city, butbu given the position theth body was located in, it doesn’t surprise me that he may have been there for one or two days, or longer.”

The man was wearing a black zip-up polar fleece top, grey track pants and white sandshoes.

He was also found with a dark blue backpack and a black Piping Hot backpack.

The cause of the man’s death will be determined by a coroner.

Anyone with information in relation to the man’s death is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.