The remains of a cherished grandfather who disappeared 13 years ago have been located. Kevin Judge, a former miner, vanished from the Lupset area of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, in April 2013 at the age of 68. He was last seen after being dropped off at his residence by a taxi following a visit to Wakefield city center on April 15. Concern arose when his daughter could not find him the next day.
This week, West Yorkshire Police informed Mr. Judge’s family, who had feared foul play, that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his demise. Mr. Judge’s remains were discovered in January in a wooded area near Huddersfield, between Clayton West and Emley. Dental records and a set of house keys found at the location were used to confirm his identity.
Louise Wilson, his daughter, expressed a sense of closure after finally learning the fate of her father. She described him as a typical Yorkshire man who enjoyed socializing in pubs in Wakefield city center and was known for his wit and character.
Ms. Wilson mentioned that her father’s presence in the woodland near Emley was unexpected, as it was not a usual route for him. She speculated that he might have been experiencing the early stages of dementia, although no formal diagnosis had been made. The family is now preparing for a funeral and anticipates a coroner’s inquest into his passing.
Upon the discovery of the remains, Ms. Wilson had an immediate sense that her father had been found after all these years. She thanked everyone who had searched for him and expressed gratitude for the closure. West Yorkshire Police confirmed the identification of the remains and assured that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Detective Superintendent Damian Roebuck mentioned that extensive tests had been conducted, and the family is being supported during this time. The police are hopeful that this development will provide some closure to the family after the prolonged investigation into his disappearance.