Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Wayne Woodgate, a beloved father and well-known figure in Tunbridge Wells, after his body was discovered in a rural location in Peasmarsh, East Sussex. The 54-year-old had been missing since Thursday, October 17, when he was last seen in the Goods Station Road area of Tunbridge Wells. Police have now launched a murder investigation following the discovery on October 23.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody as officers continue their inquiries.
Wayne’s son, George Woodgate, led the tributes, remembering his father as a “loving and dedicated family man” with a great sense of humour. “Our father was a colourful character and social butterfly who went out of his way to speak with everyone and anyone,” he said. “He was a kind-hearted man and always meant well. We know that he would be grateful for all of your friendship and support.”
Wayne’s eldest son, Glenn Goldsmith, described him as a man with “a heart of gold” who embraced everyone regardless of their background. “He was a face of Tunbridge Wells that everyone knew and everyone will miss,” Glenn added.
Christopher Goldsmith, Wayne’s second eldest son, also shared a tribute, saying his dad “loved a nice cold beer” and expressing his deep love for him. “Love you, Dad, more than you ever knew,” he wrote.
Thomas Webster, Wayne’s third eldest son, expressed his sorrow at the loss of the man who “took me under his wing and called me son.” He added, “You shaped me into the man I have become today, and no amount of gratitude will ever be enough.”
George shared that the family feels “utterly robbed” by his father’s death but remains hopeful that justice will be served. “He was taken from us much before his time. There was still so much left for him to do and be a part of, experience, and achieve,” George said. “The realisation that my dad will never see my 8-month-old son in school uniform for the first time, or hear him call his grandad, breaks me most unimaginably.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to give Wayne a “Wayne-style” send-off, appealing for support to cover the costs of his funeral and memorial services.
Kent Police have appealed for dashcam footage from motorists who may have travelled on the A268 between Peasmarsh and Four Oaks. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber stated: “We are specifically requesting any dashcam footage for journeys made between 5:15 pm and 5:45 pm on Thursday, October 17, and between 8:15 am and 8:45 am on Sunday, October 20.”
Anyone with footage or other information that may assist the investigation is urged to upload it through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or call 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/179489/24. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their online form.
