Devastated family pay tribute to 'wonderful' son and 'caring' brother who died after going missing

Regan and his parents Paul and Julie
-Credit: (Image: Family submission)


The devastated family of a man who died after going missing last week have paid tribute to a "wonderful" son and "caring" brother. Regan Phillips, from Hoo, was reported missing to Kent Police and was last seen in Commercial Road, Strood, at around 11.15pm on Friday (October 18).

His loved ones appealed for help to find the 25-year-old but, following extensive searches, his body was discovered near Knight Road, Strood, on Tuesday (October 22). Following the tragic news of his death, Regan's family have shared heartbreaking tributes to him.

His mum, Julie Phillips, described the “big void” her son’s death will leave in her life. She said: “You will always be my little boy and I will miss our daily chats and, most of all, our hugs. I could not have asked for such a wonderful son.

READ MORE:Family's tribute to Tunbridge Wells dad with 'heart of gold' after murder probe launched

READ MORE:Off-duty nurse saves retired pilot's life after being found unresponsive at Chatham shopping centre

“You will be a big void in my life especially. [I am] so proud of the man you have become. Life is going to be so hard now you’re not here. I could not have asked for a better son who not only cared about me but he made a big impact on everyone in his life.”

His dad Paul said: “[I am] devastated. Not only have I lost my only son but I’ve lost my best mate. Love you son.”

Regan had four sisters who all paid tribute to their only brother. Sibling Amanda said: “[He was] a caring and loving brother, a fun and silly uncle. I can’t believe you have gone so soon. I shall cherish the happy memories we all have together.

“We will miss you and love you always. You were taken from us too soon. You were our only brother and someone who took care of us. And you always looked after us too. I loved your silliness and fun and games. You always made us smile. You protected us as much as we protected you.”

Amanda (left) said Regan was "a fun and silly uncle"
Amanda (left) said Regan was "a fun and silly uncle" -Credit:Family submission

His sister Sarah said she will miss taking care of her brother. She said: “Lil bro, I’m going to miss running you around and helping you to continue building your life. I’ll miss the discussions about the endless ambitions and dreams you had.

“I’ll miss our conversations about food and talking about the places we would love to go on our next dinner dates. Most of all I’ll miss taking care of my lil bro.”

Regan and his sister Sarah
Regan and his sister Sarah -Credit:Family submission

His sister Kirsty added: “Words can never say how much I and the family will miss you, you are going to leave a massive hole in our hearts, you always did your best in life and I am so proud of you for how far you came going through the bad and the good, and still coming out with a smile and joke, I will always love you my little bro.”

His fourth sister Carrie Stanton said: “My brother Regan, I will love you and miss you every single day. You made me laugh all the time. I will carry our memories and think about you non-stop. Thank you for being the best brother and cheering me up when I needed you. I will have a piece of you with me everyday, your baby blue. I love you so much."

Regan's cousin Dave Jackson added: “You have always been a great laugh, always there for anyone who needed you and always in my thoughts.”

His cousin Dave used to call Regan his "lil bro"
His cousin Dave (left) used to call Regan his "lil bro" -Credit:Family submission

Regan worked as a warehouse operative at Oliver Ashworth on the Medway City Estate. Kent Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious and that a report was being prepared for the coroner.

A Gofundme page has been set up to help the family with the cost of his funeral. It reads: "Regan touched a lot of hearts and will be truly missed by all those that knew him and loved him."

Get more news from KentLive straight to your inbox for free HERE.