A weeks-long search along England’s rugged coastline has ended in tragedy, with authorities saying a body recovered from the sea is believed to be that of Alexander Key, the longtime partner of Mick Jagger’s granddaughter.
Devon & Cornwall Police confirmed Sunday that officers searching for the missing 37-year-old made the grim discovery near the seaside town of Bude, according to Page Six.
Authorities later provided additional details, saying emergency crews were called after the body was spotted in the water.
“Officers and HM Coastguard were called around 6.30pm yesterday, 31 January, after the body of a man was discovered in the sea at Bude. Sadly, he was deceased at the scene,” the statement read.
While formal identification has not yet been completed, police said they believe the body is that of Key, who was reported missing on Jan. 24.
“Formal identification is yet to be carried out but officers believe the person to be 37-year-old Alexander Key who was reported missing on 24 January,” the department said.
Police added that the death is not being treated as suspicious and confirmed that a post-mortem examination will take place.
Key shared two children with Assisi Jackson, the granddaughter of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Assisi’s mother is Jade Jagger, the 82-year-old musician’s daughter.
In their statement, police relayed a message from Key’s loved ones.
“Mr Key’s family has thanked police and HM Coastguard for their efforts, along with all those who assisted in the search for him. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time,” authorities said.
Representatives for the Jagger family did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Before his disappearance, police said Key was last seen in the late afternoon of Jan. 24 walking past the Wellington pub on Old Road toward Boscastle Harbour and the River Valency.
CCTV images showed the chef wearing a red patterned jacket beneath a blue anorak with the hood pulled up, along with light-colored pants and black sneakers. He was alone at the time.
“Alexander is described being 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with bright peroxide blonde hair and normally wearing bright coloured clothing,” police said while urging the public to come forward with information.
Earlier reports had placed Key at the Cobweb Inn pub on Jan. 23 at around 2:30 p.m. CCTV footage showed him sitting at the bar before leaving alone roughly an hour later, hands in his pockets and wearing the same distinctive jacket.
As concern mounted, police warned online that “Police are growing increasingly concerned,” while the Cobweb Inn also appealed for help, noting that “his family are so worried.”
Jade Jagger shared the initial missing-person alert on Instagram but has not posted publicly since. Assisi Jackson has remained silent throughout the search.
