Cause of death for legendary DJ who worked with top stars will never be known
Derek Serpell-Morris was the first to play reggae on British radio
A LEGENDARY DJ who was the first in Britain to play reggae died in a wood - but was undiscovered for so long his cause of death will never be known.
Derek Serpell-Morris, 74 - known for decades as DJ Derek - had a career spanning 40 years and even appeared in a Dizzie Rascal video.
He was a local legend in Bristol and is widely renowned in the music industry for playing a 60s blend of rock steady, reggae, ska, dancehall and soul music.
He also collaborated with Massive Attack among others and performed at Glastonbury Festival.
Derek had been missing since July 2015 and his body was found in a wooded clearing by a dog walker on March 10, 2016, an inquest heard.
A police investigation was unable to establish a cause of death, despite investigations into his movements, health and relationships, an inquest heard.
Giving evidence, DC Carol Doxsey, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, said: "Everybody we spoke to had only good things to say about [DJ Derek]. Nobody had any problems with him."
Asked if there had been evidence that he had been a victim of assault, killed elsewhere and taken to the clearing, or had taken his own life, DC Doxsey said: "No, nothing to suggest that."
She concluded: "We were unable to say how he died or why he was in that location."
Assistant Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing was unable to establish a cause of death and recorded a short narrative conclusion.
He said: "The deceased's severely decomposed body was found in a wooded area and it cannot be known how the deceased came to be there."
Dr Harrowing paid tribute to DJ Derek, saying: "Derek was clearly a very public character in some respects.
"I am sure his passion and love of music touched the lives of all who knew him in that respect. I am sure he will be remembered fondly by all.
"However there was also a private side to Derek. Aside from his music he was a very private person. We will never know how Derek came to be where he was."
Derek's brother, Gerald Morris said after the inquest: "It didn't reveal anything that wasn't common knowledge.
"As far as anyone can be happy, I am. There were no surprises. Police kept me fully informed. I couldn't see how anyone could come to any other conclusion."
Derek's great-niece, Jenny Griffiths, said: "It's not nice to sit there and hear how decomposed his body was.
"I still don't feel like we have full closure as we don't know anything. I don't think anything untoward could have happened, he was loved by too many people."
Ruling out suicide, she said: "He was too happy. He was talking about his retirement and his bus travels."