Lancaster University has written to the family of a former student whose death was confirmed after a human foot discovered 20 years ago was identified as his.
Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Smith wrote to the parents of Graham Rogers, who went missing on April 10, 1993, aged 26, to express his sympathy.
Mr Rogers, who had a history of depression, was living with his parents at Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.
The environmental science student left his parents’ house and never returned home.
On April 19 that year his car was found in Chepstow, a short distance from the Rivers Wye and Severn.
On November 7 that year the remains of a human foot were found in a Reebok trainer in flood defences on the River Severn.
Forensic DNA testing was carried out on the foot in 1994 but was unable to identify who it was.
However, advancements in DNA testing techniques led to it being resubmitted by police in December last year and a match was obtained.
Mr Rogers’ identity was confirmed after DNA tests were carried out comparing the body part with his next of kin.
An inquest at Gloucester Coroners Court said the development in technology showed it was one billion times more likely to be Mr Rogers’ foot than anybody else’s.
Deputy assistant coroner Katie Skerrett recorded an open verdict and the cause of death as unascertained.
Gloucester Police confirmed they were still treating the circumstances of Mr Rogers’ death as “non-suspicious”.
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