AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of popular local man and devoted dad Mike Ray.

Tragically, he was found dead in Newton Abbot’s Baker’s Park.

Emergency services were called to a wooded area of Bakers Park at around 11am on Sunday, October 30, after the 33-year-old labourer was found by a member of the public

Plymouth Coroners Court heard that Mike, of Ogwell, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police said his death was not suspicious and it was left for the coroner to prepare a file.

A full inquest examining the circumstances surrounding his death will be held next year.

Meanwhile, an online fundraising page to help pay for his funeral costs has already raised £7,330. The GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-mike-ray?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer has a target of £10,000 and it will also be used to start a trust fund for his son.

Many tributes have been paid to him on the Gofundme page including:

  • Mike was an absolutely beautiful soul and his legacy will be kept alive by his amazing son… whom he loved with every beat of his heart, which was obvious by the way his face lit up and his eyes sparkled when he spoke of him! Heaven has gained an absolute diamond.
  • He had the kindest heart. A friendship I’ve never forgotten. Sending love to the whole Ray family.
  • I’m so sorry for your loss, and those you leave behind. I only hope now Mike your at some kind of peace, but you’ll be sadly and deeply missed by those that not only loved you but by all those that knew you too.
  • He was a great man who was loved by so many.

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