Family pays tribute to Michael Stratton after Gosport bridge fall drowning

Michael Stratton, 27, was found by his family members after falling from Jackie Spencer Bridge, known as Black Bridge, at Clayhall Road, Gosport, at around 2pm on Saturday.

Coastguard and police launched an extensive search for him, including using a helicopter, after being informed at 6pm.

The search was stood down four hours later due to faded light.

His family contacted police at 8.30am before officers resumed searching to say they had found Mr Stratton’s body.

A post mortem has confirmed he died by drowning.

Paying tribute, Mr Stratton’s family said: ‘Our beautiful son and brother has been taken from us too soon.

‘He was a wonderful person who would do anything for anyone. Everyone who knew him loved him.

‘We were so lucky to have had you in our lives. Our very own ‘Big Friendly Giant’.

‘Sleep tight darling you are truly loved and missed.

‘We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who helped us when we found his body on Sunday morning.’

Mr Stratton’s death is currently being treated as non-suspicious but investigations are ongoing into the exact circumstances of his death.

Detective Sergeant Roger Wood said: ‘This is a very difficult time for the family of Mr Stratton and we are doing all we can to establish exactly what happened that day.

‘We know that there were many people out enjoying the sunshine by the bridge on Saturday afternoon and we want to make sure that we have spoken to them all.

‘If you haven’t already spoken to us, I would urge you to please come forward as you may have a piece of information that could assist our investigation.

‘Even if you don’t think you saw anything out of the ordinary, please get in touch if you were there.’

Anyone with information should call DS Wood on 101, quoting 44160275492, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.