Emotional tributes to ‘beautiful human being’
THE body of Alexander Stern, from Kensington, was tragically found in the Thames in Charvil, Berkshire on April 3.
Police had been searching for the 36-year-old, who was last seen in Sonning on January 11.
Nearly two months after his body was found, one of Mr Stern’s close friends has called his death “unjust”.
Heidi Wildhirt told MyLondon: “I’ll never forget the day I met Alex. We were instantly drawn to one another, from the get-go, I knew we’d be friends.
“Alex was an incredibly sensitive and beautiful human being, he was always there for me, as I was for him.
“We’d spend hours chatting about life, and it’s meaning, our ideas, our aspirations.
“We’d guide each other. We would brunch and lunch, walk in the park and sip our almond milk cappuccinos together.
“He was incredibly creative and inventive and destined to achieve great things. He was smart in a way others weren’t, he was savvy.
“Our world has been robbed of one incredible human being who didn’t deserve to leave us, it was too soon, it was unjust.
“If I could say one last thing to him, it would be that he was loved by many and that his friendship and company were unforgettable, and I will forever hold him dear in my heart.
“I will miss you, Alex. You’re forever in my thoughts.”
Mr Stern was last seen leaving The Bull pub in Sonning at around 7.30pm on January 11, with CCTV images showing him heading past the Coppa Club towards Sonning
Bridge on B478 while wheeling a suitcase. He was never seen alive again. Thames Valley Police confirmed his body was found in the River Thames in Charvil on April 3.
A spokesperson for the force said: “The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
“Alexander’s next of kin has been informed and is being supported at this time. They wish to express their gratitude to the community for their support throughout this difficult time.”
Mr Stern is reportedly the son of Ronald Stern, a multi-million pound Ferrari collector who lives in Hampstead.
Mr Stern’s family and friends launched an online campaign earlier in the year to help find him after he went missing.