Suspected murder victim named as family pays tribute to 'lovable' 38 year old found dead in Sheffield woods
’We will always continue to love him and will miss him greatly’
Devastated loved ones have paid tribute to a man whose body was found in Sheffield woods, sparking a murder investigation.
South Yorkshire Police today named the man whose body was found in Ecclesall Woods on Wednesday as Ryan Kettlewell, aged 38, who they described as a ‘local man’.
Ryan, is described by his family as a lovable character who will be missed.
His family said in a tribute this morning: “We will always continue to love him and will miss him greatly."
Police say a forensic post-mortem has revealed that Ryan died as a result of a gunshot wound.
Two people, a woman aged 34 and man aged 36 were arrested on September 3 on suspicion of murder. They have since been released on police bail as enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, who is the senior investigating officer for this case, said: "We are committed to finding answers of how Ryan lost his life.
“I continue to urge anyone with information about his death to get in touch, no matter how irrelevant or insignificant you believe it to be, it could be the missing piece we need.
“Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Ryan.”
Police investigating the suspected murder have also appealed directly to drivers, who they think may have dashcam footage of people entering Ecclesall Woods on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The latest appeal comes as South Yorkshire Police say they have released two people on bail, who they had arrested in connection with the investigation.
They are keen to hear from anyone who may have filmed anyone entering the woods, or activity taking place as they have driven past, and are urging drivers to check their dashcam footage and get in touch, adding that the smallest piece of information could be pivotal to their inquiry.
To report information, call police on 101 or get in touch via the police website. Quote incident number 821 of September 2, 2026 when you get in touch.
You can also call anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers. Call them on the freephone number 0800 555 111 or visit their website.