MYSTERY will continue to surround the final moments of popular Bristol-based DJ Derek Serpell Morris after a coroner said “it cannot be known how he came by his death”.

Assistant coroner at Avon Coroner’s Court Dr Peter Harrowing today told family and friends of Mr Morris, often labelled ‘Britain’s Oldest DJ’, that identifying a cause of death was not possible.

Mr Morris, known to many simply as DJ Derek, disappeared in July last year. Following an extensive search, the 73-year-old’s remains were found in a wooded area near Cribbs Causeway.

Preparing to deliver a narrative verdict earlier this afternoon, Dr Harrowing said: “I cannot say on the balance of probabilities that the death was the result of natural causes, though I suspect it may well have been.

“There was no evidence of violence or that anybody intended to do him any harm, and no evidence that he intended to take his own life.

“It is not possible given the evidence to reach any further conclusion.”

The court heard from Detective Constable Carol Doxsey of Avon and Somerset Police that the last reliable sightings of Mr Morris were in July of last year, and his family reported him missing on July 23. 

Police began major search operation and Mr Morris’ niece Jennifer Griffiths launched a campaign to help boost the work of the force. One of the key locations searched was Thornbury, and at one point his family suspected he may have travelled to Dursley.

Then, on Thursday, March 10, dog walker David Wright stumbled upon the badly decomposed remains of the missing DJ.

Home Office registered forensic pathologist Dr Russel Delaney conducted a post mortem on Mr Morris’ body and found no fractures in the skull or broken bones. He concluded that “due to the condition of the body it is not possible to ascertain the cause of death.”

Det Const Doxsey told the court there was no reason to believe Mr Morris had died as a result of violence or that he had taken his own life, and that the police investigation was unable to shine a light on how Mr Morris came to die where he did.

Unable to deliver a clear verdict, Dr Harrowing simply outlined the known circumstances surrounding the DJ's death.

"He was clearly a very popular character," said Dr Harrowing. 

"He was well respected by all those who knew him for his involvement in music in Bristol and the wider community.

"His sheer love, passion and knowledge of music touched and enriched the lives of all who knew him."

Among the family at the inquest were Derek's twin sister Shirley Griffiths, his older brother Gerald Morris and his niece Jennifer Griffiths.

Speaking to the Gazette, Gerald Morris, 78, of Luton, said: “Closure really came with the finding of his body.

“We had good liaison with the police so what took place today didn’t add anything really.

“We still don’t have any greater understanding of what happened. You could have as many theories as you like but you’re never going to know.

“When I think about the circumstances I can’t know how he came to be there or why he died there. The thing that makes me sad is that it seems very lonely; those last hours, minutes and seconds – it seems a very lonely way to die.”

Derek’s niece Jennifer added: “He brought everyone together but left a hole in my heart, and I miss him.

“Now all this is all over, I just want Derek to rest in peace. His memory is going to live on.”

Jennifer told the Gazette that a number of plans to commemorate Mr Morris’ life were in the pipeline, the details of which the Gazette will publish as soon as they are available.  

In a DJ career that lasted more than 40 years, Mr Morris was known for playing a blend of reggae, ska, dancehall and soul.