Tyk, who was from Denver in the United States, had been on a six week trip and had already visited London and Paris before visiting Lisbon where he was then reported missing last month.

In an obituary published in the Denver Post, his family writes: “It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Alex Glen Tyk, age 31, our most beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend who died June 26, 2019 in an accident in Lisbon, Portugal.

“Alex loved all the outdoor activities Colorado had to offer - climbing, kayaking, hiking. His great joy was sharing it all with his family, friends, his girlfriend Brittany and his dog George. He will be forever missed by his mother and father, Lynn (Hansen) and Roger Tyk, his sister Lesley Tyk, his Aunts and Uncles, his cousins, and his friends. He appreciated life's beauty and expressed it passionately. He was truly a beacon of light in our lives”.

On a Go Fund Me page launched by a family friend, the last known whereabouts of Tky are described as being at the Urban Beach Club in Lisbon on 27 June at approximately 3.30am. He had been staying at Selina Secret Garden in Lisbon and was supposed to arrive in Barcelona on 28 July but never arrived and did not check out of his accommodation in the capital.

The family set up fundraising to help to pay for flights to fly his sister Lesley to Lisbon on 1 July to help in the search for him. In total $32,132 was raised on the Go Fund Me page which has now stopped receiving donations.

The Tyk family posted an update on their fundraising page thanking people for their support in the investigation into the disappearance of Alex.

“Thank you all for the support in the search for Alex. It was confirmed that he passed away in Lisbon. Words to describe this loss feel insufficient, it weighs so heavy on our hearts. To all of those who extended a helping hand in finding Alex, thank you for being a beacon of light for our family. We are not ready to say goodbye, so instead, so long and until we meet again. Alex lived a life to be admired. He appreciated life's beauty and expressed it passionately. His kindness and spirit will never be forgotten.”

The body of a man found in the river Tagus on 8 July in an advanced state of decomposition was said to be that of Alex Tky according to a report by Sic Notícias.

Author

Originally from the UK, Daisy has been living and working in Portugal for more than 20 years. She has worked in PR, marketing and journalism, and has been the editor of The Portugal News since 2019. Jornalista 7920

Daisy Sampson