Tributes to "perfect son" after his death in Somerset
Human remains belonging to 39-year-old Craig Hurcombe from Wiltshire were found in Gurney Slade last month
Last updated 20th Feb 2026
Tributes have been paid to a Wiltshire man described as the "perfect son" after his death in Somerset last month.
Craig Hurcombe, 39, from Rowde was was reporting missing to Wiltshire Police on Saturday 10 January after he was last seen on New Year's Day.
Human remains, formally identified as Mr Hurcombe's, were found four days later on January 14th during searches in the Gurney Slade area of Somerset.
His parents, Nicola and Paul, have issued a tribute on behalf of the family, saying they are "living with unimageable loss" and a huge hole in their lives which they will "never come to terms with."
The tribute continues: “Craig was the perfect son and an independent man, and we are living with unimaginable loss and a huge hole in our lives which we will never come to terms with.
“Craig is survived by eight nieces and nephews; Skye, Maddie, Riley, Tillie-Mae, Archie, Harvey, Oakley, and Brodie, who miss him and cannot understand why he is not there to play with them.
“Skye, the eldest niece, has lost her best friend, whom she spent a lot of time eating out and going to watch Bath Rugby with.
“Craig was very hardworking, ambitious, and very well thought of in his circle of work, especially his boss, who has expressed his gratitude for all Craig did for the company.
“Craig has two sisters, Laura and Jessica, and one brother, Ashley, who are grieving a brother they love. He had his whole life ahead of him, and that was needlessly taken away.
Craig's family say he was a "keen sportsman" from a young age and went on to play for Devizes Rugby Club.
His family say he had a close network of friends there who "have been left distraught by his death but have memories of their trip watching the Lions rugby tour in Australia in 2025."
The tribute continued: “Craig was also vice-president of Devizes Rugby Club, and many other clubs both near and far have left tributes to Craig which has made us aware of how loved he was.
“His meaningless death had an impact on so many people, both old and young.”
40-year-old Michael Bretton, of Armoury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, has been charged with Mr Hurcombe's murder and one count of stalking involving fear of violence against a woman.
He is expected to appear at Bristol Crown Court for trial on Monday 13 July.