Bandmates of Bristol teacher Vincent Le Goascoz ‘heartbroken’ after harbour tragedy
Bandmates have paid tribute to a ‘warm and kind’ teacher after his body was found in Bristol harbour. Vincent Le Goascoz, 35, was a much-loved member of two music groups in Bristol. He joined the Island Folk Choir in 2015 after attending a workshop run by its leader Sorrel Wilde and sang with them for many years.
He was also a guitarist and founder of the All At Sea Ceilidh Collective which was formed by the choir’s members in 2017. In both groups he was loved for his friendliness, and for his energy and enthusiasm as a performer. In the last couple of years he stepped back from the choir because of the responsibilities of his job as a teacher, but continued to play in the ceilidh band.
Vincent went missing on Saturday (December 2) and a police search followed. Sadly divers recovered a body from Redcliff Quay on Wednesday (December 6), Avon and Somerset Police confirmed. His death is not currently being treated as suspicious.
The Island Folk and All At Sea have now paid tribute to their former group member, who who they plan to remember and celebrate in their upcoming join Christmas performance later this month. In a joint tribute the group said: “Such heart-breaking news. Lovely smiley Vince is not coming back to us.
“Vince was an important part of both The Island Folk choir and All at Sea Ceilidh Collective. His warmth and joy will be deeply missed in our folk community. It’s just unbelievable and our hearts go out to his family and his girlfriend.
“We’ll remember the epic grins and positivity, the gentle kindness, the enthusiastic rowdy singing, the focused guitar strumming face, many cheeky laughs and the ‘why not’ shrug to any fun suggestion. He was just a great, well-rounded guy: friendly and fun loving, considerate and responsible, always looking to help other people out.
Vincent Le Goascoz
“Vince, in our memory you’ll always have a nice big glass of wine, a smile on your face and be surrounded by friends. Lots of love from everyone in The Island Folk Choir and All at Sea.”
It comes after colleagues at Vincent’s workplace, Fairfield High School, also shared a touching tribute yesterday[3]. Acting principal Edel Cronin said: “His smile, relentless positivity and optimism never wavered. Vincent’s classroom was a wonderfully fun and joyful environment full of learning, filled with laughter, and enthusiasm for his passion for modern foreign languages.
“The void left by Vincent’s untimely passing is immeasurable, and we extend our deepest condolences to his partner Emily, his family and friends. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and the school will forever be grateful for his contributions to education, diversity, and the spirit of adventure.” In a statement made on December 6, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “A body has been found in the search for missing 35-year-old man Vincent.
Vincent was last seen on Redcliff Street, Bristol, at about 1.30am on Saturday 2 December. “The body was found by police divers this morning at Redcliff Quay, Bristol, and while formal identification has not taken place, we believe it to be Vincent. At this stage the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Vincent’s family has been informed and we’re offering them support.
Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
References
- ^ School’s tribute to Vincent Le Goascoz after ‘remarkable’ Bristol teacher’s tragic death (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol man ill in hospital after beginning Gaza hunger strike six weeks ago (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ also shared a touching tribute yesterday (www.bristolpost.co.uk)