A 48-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of murdering Dean Larvin has been told she will not face charges, and Northumbria Police have confirmed that the 39-year-old's death is no longer being treated as suspicious.
Investigation into River Tyne death
An investigation was launched after reports that a man, later identified as Dean, had entered the River Tyne following a disturbance on the Redheugh Bridge in April. As police searched the water, a 48-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder. She was released on bail while the probe continued but was told last week she would face no further police action.
Dean's body was found on Saturday, May 2, at Derwenthaugh Marina in Blaydon. Emergency services were called after a body was discovered in the water, which was later formally identified as Dean, who was from Gateshead.
Police statement and family tribute
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “As ever, our thoughts remain with all of Dean’s loved ones following his passing. A number of enquiries have been carried out into the circumstances surrounding his death. As part of the investigation, a 48-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder. She has since been told she will face no further action from police. There is not believed to be any third-party involvement in Dean’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.”
In a statement, Dean's family paid tribute to the “amazing soul” they had lost. “He had the kindest heart, the most amazing soul, and a happy, bubbly personality that lit up every room,” they said. “He doted on each and every one of his family members and was loved so very much by all of his nieces and nephews. Dean always put others before himself and, in the past, even helped save the lives of others if you couldn’t walk, he would carry you. We were all so proud of him and will miss him more than words can say.”
Circumstances of the incident
It was around 10pm on Friday, April 10, that police received a report of an altercation between a group of people on the Redheugh Bridge, which links Newcastle and Gateshead, and that Dean had entered the river. However, investigations later established that Dean had left the scene of the altercation before entering the water a short time later. The bridge was partially taped off after the incident.
Dean's family also thanked the person who found his body, adding: “Our family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and kind words during this heartbreaking time and especially thank the person who found Dean for their compassion and help. A huge thanks to the marine search and rescue, emergency services, and family liaison officers that have offered us support every step of the way.”
