Former Isle of Wight councillor Gerard White has been named locally as the victim of Monday’s suspected murder in Lake.
Gerry, who previously represented Lake North as a Conservative councillor, was found deceased in amongst woodland off the Byway SS18 between Lake and Shanklin yesterday evening.
Mr White is known for being the landlord of The Stag Inn at Lake. His family have been informed of the discovery.
As previously by Island Echo, Police descended on the area of Scotchells Brook Lane near Morrisons at around 17:15 on Bank Holiday Monday. A search was carried out which led to the discovery of Gerry’s body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 60-year-old man from Sandown has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in Police custody at this time.
UPDATE @ 21:50 – Michael Taplin, Clerk to Lake Parish Council, has paid tribute to Mr White tonight.
“Lake Parish Council was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Gerry White, a former Lake Parish Councillor, Chairman of the Parish Council in 2016-17, and an Isle of Wight councillor representing Lake.
“Gerry contributed much to the village, both as a councillor, and an entrepreneur, and was also a stalwart in the local Rotary.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Parish Council offers its condolences to his wife and other members of his family”.
So sad a true friend r i p
Honour the man he did a lot for people in his community and helped others in need of work and help:
Thinking of all family and friends of Gerry the Man connected to the stag pub in lake.
Honour the man. He helped a lot of people in his community gaven chances work to people many things helping lake and the Isle of Wight