Unidentified Human Remains – Dave Tang – Salthill, Co. Galway

The Gardaí at Salthill Garda Station are appealing for information in relation to the discovery of human remains at 158 Upper Salthill on the 17th April 2002.

The owner of this property was carrying out excavation work in the back garden and discovered human remains wrapped up in a sleeping bag buried in a shallow grave. There were also a number of items of clothing including, boots, jewellery and hair ties in the sleeping bag.

A full examination of the scene was carried out and a post mortem on the remains. An investigation was launched with Gardaí establishing that this property was used as a squat over the years by a number of people. Their enquiries led them to a man known as “Dave”, who busked around Galway, particularly on Shop Street, an area known locally as “the four corners”. He played guitar and tin whistle. He always had his pet collie dog with him.

Gardaí believe Dave was originally from the United Kingdom and the last known sighting of him was in 1999. Gardaí believe he was buried at 158 Upper Salthill almost two years before his remains were discovered. Gardaí also believe he may have been known as “Dave Rawson” or “Dave Tang”, but are unsure if that was his real name.

Appeal:

• Can you assist with identifying Dave?
• Were you living in Galway back in 1999 when it is believed Dave Tang died? Did you know him or any of his friends / associates?
• Housemates described him making phone calls to family in England, possibly in the Exeter area, using numbers in his black notebook.  There was also information connecting him to the Tunbridge Wells and Cornwall areas of Southern England.
• His dog licence was registered under the name ‘Dave Rawson’ – unfortunately this may not have been his real name and hasn’t yielded any positive results.
• If you feel that you can assist Gardaí after all these years, please get in touch. We would like to assure you that you will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and compassion.

Description of Dave:

• He was a well-established figure on the busking scene in Galway, often playing the guitar in and around Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street.
• He was very recognisable – carried around a black notebook and wore bangles on his wrists – he had a sort of ‘New Age’ appearance/style of dress.
• Collie dog he would walk on a blue nylon rope and wore Northridge boots.
• He was a very good musician – It is thought he may have been classically trained and well-educated.