Ian Carruthers death a ‘tragic accident’ - police
Mr Carruthers disappeared from his home in Annan on January 17 and extensive enquiries and searches have taken place in order to locate him.
Seven weeks later on Friday morning a local man spotted a body on the beach on the shore at Port O’Warren beach, at Portling, five miles south of Dalbeattie.
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Hide AdA full forensic examination and post mortem have since taken place which Police Scotland said had proved to be inconclusive in the cause of death.
The senior investigating officer in the enquiry, Detective Inspector Filippo Capaldi, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Following extensive and exhaustive enquiries, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances in respect of the death of Ian Carruthers.
“Following the Post Mortem examination, the cause of death will remain recorded as ‘unascertained.’ However, given all of the known circumstances and in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, his death has all the hallmarks of a tragic accident.
“I have spoken with the Ian’s immediate family and fully explained all of this to them, which will hopefully provide some closure for them in this matter.”
Mr Carruthers’ disappearance sparked huge searches over the seven weeks and pleas from the family for information. A helicopter, police, divers, mountain rescue teams and lifeboats combed the area without any trace of him. Then his body turned up on the beach 20 miles from his home.
Earlier this week police said that two people had been arrested in connection with the investigation into Mr Carruthers’ death and would be appearing at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Then 24 hours later the Crown Office announced: “The Procurator Fiscal at Dumfries has received a report relating to an incident involving a 26-year-old man that allegedly occurred on January 16.
“Following full and careful consideration, the accused was liberated from custody pending further enquiries and did not appear in court.”