A body found in the Turks and Caicos over a week ago has been identified as that of missing New York man Brian Patrick Tarrence, officials announced.
The body was found July 5 in the Grace Bay Area and identified following a forensic dental analysis, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said Thursday.
There were no signs of trauma on the body, according to an autopsy, and there’s no suspicion of foul play, police said. A final autopsy and toxicology reports are pending to complete the investigation.
Tarrence, a 51-year-old New York City resident, was vacationing with his wife on Providenciales and was reported missing June 25th.
He was last seen at the Paradise Inn near Grace Bay Beach, and security footage showed him leaving his condo around 4 a.m. that day and heading toward town.
Carl DeFazio, a private investigator hired by the family, which NBC confirmed with his wife, said that the night Tarrence went missing, his wife had gone to bed early.
Tarrence stayed up late to watch TV, according to DeFazio, before he went on his late-night stroll with his phone — but not his passport.
The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos said extensive efforts were made to locate him including ground searches, drone surveillance and review of CCTV footage, as well as efforts from local residents and volunteers. The body was found following a coordinated search operation led by local police.
"Authorities have indicated there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr. Tarrence’s disappearance or death," it said, noting the agency is in contact with Tarrence's family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Tarrence,” Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly said. “We are grateful to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and to every individual, volunteer, and organization who took part in the search. The entire Turks and Caicos community mourns this loss alongside the Tarrence family.”
