The family of a “kind-hearted” and “genuine” man whose disappearance sparked a desperate search have spoken of their heartbreak after police charged a suspect with his murder.
Nathan Jermy’s loved ones say they have been left “utterly devastated” after he was found dead at a property in Margate High Street on Thursday.
Nathan Jermy was tragically found dead in a property in Margate High Street. Picture: Submitted
They spoke publicly as police confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service had issued a charge of murder against Bradley Cooper, 40, of Eaton Road, Margate.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Margate Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday).
In a statement, Mr Jermy’s relatives said: “As a family, we are completely devastated by the loss of our Nathan.
“The past week has been unimaginable. Having already lost Nathan’s mum and his brother, both to suicide, when Nathan went missing our minds naturally went to there.
“Never in a million years did we think we would be facing a murder investigation.
“We are heartbroken, shocked, angry and utterly devastated. The pain of losing Nathan is unbearable, and the circumstances surrounding his death have left our family struggling to comprehend what has happened.
Four arrests have been made in connection with the suspected murder of Nathan Jermy, who was found dead in a property in Margate High Street. Picture: Google
“Like any family, there are moments when the anger feels overwhelming and when we want answers immediately, but we know the justice Nathan deserves must come through the police investigation and the courts.”
The family thanked the many people who joined the search effort after Nathan failed to return calls or turn up for work, prompting concerns for his welfare.
His sister shared an appeal on social media after he disappeared, while friends organised searches across Margate in a bid to find him.
Search efforts were coordinated from the Fox and Hounds pub, where Nathan, who was born in Ashford but lived in Margate, was a familiar face.
His relatives added: “We would like to thank everyone who shared appeals, supported the search and kept Nathan in their thoughts.
“While we understand there is public interest, we ask that our family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. Please allow us the space to grieve and allow the justice process to take its course.
“Nathan was loved beyond words and will be missed every single day. He deserved a future, he deserved happiness, and he deserved so much more than this.
“We will continue to stand together as a family and seek the justice Nathan deserves. Thank you for your understanding.”
Three other arrests have been made in connection with Mr Jermy’s death.
Ashleigh Muir, 33, of High Street, Margate, has been charged with assisting an offender and has also been remanded in custody to appear at Margate magistrates alongside Cooper tomorrow.
A 30-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while a 17-year-old girl remains in custody.
Following news of his death, tributes flooded social media from friends and acquaintances.
One described him as a “gorgeous, kind-hearted genuine human being” who would be “dearly missed”.
Another remembered him as a “kind caring funny guy who was always there for so many of us”.
A further tribute read: “He’ll never be forgotten. He will definitely be missed by so many people.”
The tragedy is the latest to strike the Jermy family.
In December 2020, Nathan’s younger brother Aaron took his own life aged 22 after experiencing drug-induced psychosis. His death prompted their mother, Marie O’Leary, to campaign for greater awareness of mental health issues and male suicide.
Less than two years later, Marie also took her own life after struggling with the loss of her son, prompting an outpouring of grief from across Kent.
The police investigation into Nathan Jermy’s death remains ongoing.
Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/ZY/15521/26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use its online form.