Man dies in graveyard
Tributes have been paid to a popular homeless man who was found dead in a graveyard.
Michael Remmer has been sleeping homeless around the Boldon areas for the last few years.
Most recently he had made himself a home in the churchyard at St Nicholas’ Church, in Rectory Bank, West Boldon,
Sadly the 48-year-old’s body was found in a tent by Northumbria Police on Sunday.
A spokesman said: “On Sunday, October 16 police were informed that a man had been found dead inside a tent in the churchyard of St Nicholas’.
“No third party is believed to have been involved,
“A report has been prepared for the coroner.”
Michael had become a popular figure within the community.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, had befriended Michael and helped him get a tent and the bike he was often seen riding round on through local charity Community Corner.
She said: “Michael was very popular and lots of people stopped to speak to him.
“EveryoneinBoldonknew him or knew of him, whether it be the sandwich shop, the barber’s or in the pub
“It really saddens me to think that in this day and age people are dying alone in tents.
“I was only talking to him last Thursday.”
Residents were worried that Michael wouldn’t have anyone to attend his funeral as little details were known of his past.
However the Gazette has been informed that his body has been released to his family.
His friend added: “We were just worried he wasn’t going to get a good send-off.
“We think he had some family in the Sunderland area, but we weren’t too sure.
“It would have been awful if that was the case.”
A spokesman for South Tyneside Coroner’s Office said: “An investigation has been opened and adjourned by the coroner.”