Several public appeals to find the 79-year-old were issued and circulated online by local Oldham residents and beyond after police expressed concern for his whereabouts, given the fact he had Alzheimer’s and may have been missing without his medication.
Mr Hazeltine was later caught on CCTV walking along Manchester Street in Oldham in the direction of the town centre at around 10:26am on the same day he went missing.
GMP shared the CCTV images with the public in the hopes of finding him.
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CCTV images of David Hazeltine on Monday 3 July / Credit: GMP
But despite the numerous appeals being shared far and wide, and searches continuing for several days, a GMP spokesperson later confirmed that a body had been found.
“At around 11.15am on Friday 7 July 2023, officers were called to a concern for welfare of a male on a path near Westwood, Oldham,” a GMP spokesperson revealed in a statement, “Officers and emergency services attended.
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“Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the male was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”
After the body was confirmed to be that of Mr Hazeltine, the family of the “lovely” world-travelling ex veteran have paid tribute to him.
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The family’s tribute, as shared by GMP, reads: “We would like to thank family, friends and the wider public who helped via social media to spread the word when my Dad went missing.
“As an ex-Royal Marine veteran, Dad was a very proud and independent man despite his worsening Alzheimer’s. A man who had travelled the world in his career, he loved to spend his later years growing and sharing his fruit and veg from his allotment.
“He is described as a lovely man by all who met him and he will be sadly missed by his family.
GMP says that Mr Hazeltine’s family have asked for privacy at this time while they grieve for their loss.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th July 2023 
