Published
Thu, Mar 17, 2016, 16:35
- DNA tests prove the human remains found in a Bristol wood last week belong to Derek Serpell-Morris.
Police have confirmed the death of "Britain's oldest DJ," DJ Derek, 73.
The story broke last week when local authorities discovered human remains in a wood near Bristol that they believed belonged to the long-missing Bristolian, real name Derek Serpell-Morris. According to The Guardian, the police have since carried out conclusive DNA testing, proving that it was Serpell-Morris's body they found.
Until he retired in 2013, DJ Derek toured clubs up and down the UK playing reggae, ska, soul, blues and more. A party will be held in his honour at the end of April in St Paul's, the area of Bristol he'd called home since 1978. "We want this to be a joyous occasion, which will of course include music. It will be a celebration of Derek's life and the impact he had on his city," Gerald Serpell-Morris, Derek’s older brother, told the Bristol Post.
In memory of Derek, the BBC has unarchived a 1994 documentary made about his life and career. Watch it here.