A sinister mural above a shrine of bones, a secretive ‘faerie cult’ in the Sicilian hills… and the mystery of the naked Yorkshireman found dead in his tent, next to a rope and a knife
River Braithwaite, a 35-year-old artist from Yorkshire, was found dead in his tent at a Radical Faeries gathering in rural Sicily, days after telling his partner he felt happy and optimistic. His death has prompted an investigation into what happened at the remote camp, where he had sought community and acceptance after a troubled upbringing.
Braithwaite’s body was found on 13 September at a ruined farmhouse in Contrada Piano Milo, where the gathering included communal activities, performances and sexual exploration. Reports describe a rope beside him, a knife near the tent and illegal drugs elsewhere at the site; his diary reportedly contained no indication that he planned to take his own life. Investigators have yet to establish how he died or whether anyone was with him.
- River Braithwaite was found dead at a gathering in rural Sicily.
- A rope and knife were found near his tent.
- Investigators have yet to determine how he died.
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River Braithwaite was a 35-year-old artist from Yorkshire who had experienced difficulties in his early life and was searching for community and acceptance. He travelled to Sicily in September to attend a gathering of the Radical Faeries, a loose network of LGBTQ+ people and allies who organise events centred on self-expression, artistic performance and personal freedom. Days before his death, he told his partner he felt happy and optimistic.
On 13 September, Braithwaite was found dead inside his tent at the site of the gathering, located at a ruined farmhouse in the Sicilian hills. A rope and knife were discovered near his tent, and illegal drugs were found elsewhere at the site. His diary showed no indication he intended to take his own life, yet investigators have not established how he died or whether anyone else was present.
The case has raised questions about what occurred at the remote gathering and has brought public attention to the Radical Faeries, a community that has largely remained outside public view. Braithwaite's death remains under investigation as authorities seek to establish the circumstances.