Family of dad who lay dead for seven weeks ‘lived in hope he’d turn life around’
The family of a man believed to have been dead for seven weeks before he was found have voiced their shock – and said they had been hoping he could turn his life around.
A grieving relative of Lee Rudd, 40, said he "threw his life away" with drugs, Grimsby Live reports.
He was found inside a flat in Grimsby on Tuesday last week when the landlord and police entered.
A post mortem examination has initially said his death is unascertained and further analysis is being undertaken.
A statement on behalf of his family said: "It has come as a massive shock. This has distressed the family."
His sister-in-law, who did not wish to be named said: "Lee was an elusive person who was hard to track down. He was never home when we called to see if he was okay.
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"We are aware that the last time we heard from him he was with his girlfriend, with whom he spent all his time.
"However, we have not heard from her or seen her since. Lee had a history of drug-taking which led to all his wrong-doing.
"We as a family lived in hope that one day he would come back to the Lee we all knew and loved when he was in his 20s and had a settled life with a loving partner and three children.
"But Lee chose drugs. We did all we could to help him so that he did not inflict hurt on other families or people by doing what he did to feed his habit.
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"He chose that life regardless. When his mother Kath died five years ago, his life died too. He could never get over it.
"She was not here to be by his side and offer forgiveness.
"That was when his life spiralled and the drugs became his family. However, no one is perfect and Lee was loved and we are distressed at this news and would not wish for anyone else to endure a situation like this."
The grieving relative added: "Without any guidance we are having to process a death of a loved one.
"We will have wait weeks for answers to the many questions we have. We will have to pull together as a family to give Lee a dignified funeral."
Lee was one of four children and is survived by a sister and two brothers.
His family said there was no indication that he had died in the flat. They said his lifestyle meant he was not always at home.
The sister-in-law added: "He leaves behind, not just his family, but three beautiful children. They are innocent and although Lee never played an active part in their lives after he chose drugs instead, the children still have to process the death of their father.
"The mother is doing her utmost to console and guide them through this tragedy," she said.
"We are aware that people will make judgements on what Lee did, which we understand. But please remember that his family are shocked and distressed by his death and need time to grieve and organised for him to be laid to rest.
"We would like to thank everyone who has given Lee condolences in a respectful way and have acknowledged this is a difficult time for us. We accept that Lee caused and did things he should not have. But it has left us distraught that his life ended in the tragic way it did."
A file is being prepared for the coroner.
Details of a funeral have yet to be announced.
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