THE family of a Frenchay man who was found in the River Frome after a night out have described him as a “gift to everyone in his life”.
Luis Piovesana, aged 26, disappeared in the early hours of Friday February 28 after leaving the Jam Jar venue in St Jude’s in central Bristol and getting into a taxi.
He got out of the taxi soon afterwards after leaving a message for his girlfriend, apparently in distress and feeling that he was in danger.
Luis then called police to tell them he was on the M32, and another member of the public also called to report a pedestrian on the motorway.
Police went to the scene but were unable to find him.
He was reported him missing later that morning, and police were joined by family, friends and other volunteers as they searched for Luis throughout the weekend.
A police spokesperson said: “A significant police operation, supported by Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue and the National Police Air Service, was stood up to try to locate Luis, with police officers, detectives, PCSOs, mounted officers, specialist search officers, and police drone and dive teams involved.”
Police divers found Luis’s body in the River Frome in Eastville on March 3.
In a tribute released by police, Luis’s family said: “Luis was a gift to everyone in his life and was loved by so many people.
“That was made clear by the people who came out to help search for him.
“He was such a sociable and friendly person, was loved by everyone and will be missed by them all.”
Police have taken witness statements and studied CCTV footage showing Luis alone in the Eastgate Retail Park, near to where his body was found, after he left motorway.
The spokesperson said: “Detectives are continuing to review any other CCTV opportunities to ensure we can provide Luis’s family with all the possible information there is to explain his last movements.
“Luis’s disappearance was out-of-character.”
Police have also asked people not to spread “unfounded rumours” on social media and to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Pete Walker said: “Our thoughts remain wholly with Luis’s family and friends.
“I would like to thank them for their support of our investigation and also all of the police officers, members of police staff and our partner agencies who helped us find Luis.
“Our investigation began as soon as Luis was reported missing and has found no evidence to suggest there are any suspicious circumstances that led to Luis’ death, nor links to any other missing person investigation and we too ask for everyone to respect the privacy of his family at this time, while the investigation continues.
“We are really conscious of the impact of speculation, particularly on social media, around Luis’ death and the impact such inaccurate commentary has on his devastated family.
“We’d urge people to consider the consequences of spreading unfounded rumours especially when there is a grieving family at the heart of this whose lives have been turned upside down.”
Police are preparing a file for the coroner ahead of an inquest to examine the circumstances of Luis’ death.