The devastated family of a top computing expert, who went missing more than 20 years ago, say they can finally “grieve him properly” after his body was discovered in woodland. Russell Scozzi was found behind Waverley Drive, Mumbles in Swansea. He was last seen in May 2002.
Mr Scozzi’s sister told WalesOnline that the family could now be “given the opportunity to grieve him properly”.
She said: “My heart goes out to Russell’s children who have grown up without their father and never really knowing what happened to him. Hopefully now we, as a family, can lay him to rest and with the work of South Wales Police discover what happened to him. I dearly loved Russell.
“He was my big brother who I always looked up to when I was growing up, and to lose him in this way has been devastating. Finally, we can be given the opportunity to grieve him properly.”
Mr Scozzi, from West Cross in Swansea, was last seen at Swansea bus station. A year earlier the 43-year-old had given up a well-paid IT job with a multinational company, without reason.
Mr Scozzi spoke both French and German fluently and had travelled extensively around the world, including to Bali and Australia.
At the time it was considered unusual for Mr Scozzi not to stay in touch with his family, and what was most concerning to his loved ones was that he made no attempt to contact his children. This was considered totally out of character.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said: “Our investigation into the finding of Mr Scozzi’s remains is ongoing in order that we can establish the circumstances leading up to, and the cause of death.
“The local residents of Waverley Drive supported officers throughout the course of our extensive and prolonged investigation of the scene and I wish to thank them for their support and patience.
“Following a thorough forensic examination, it’s been established that the remains are those of missing person Russell Scozzi who was last seen in May 2002. His family have been updated and are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.”
