British man Benjamin Braithwaite found dead in Sicily after attending queer pagan gathering

Mixed · 2Benjamin Braithwaite, a 35-year-old British man, was found dead last month in the countryside near Canicattini Bagni, in Syracuse province, Sicily. 1 2 Mixed · 2The Daily Mail reports the body was found naked at around 3am on 13 September close to a farmhouse used by the community. It says a length of rope was nearby and initial examinations found marks around the neck. Metro says only that detectives found the body with various injuries. 1 2 Mixed · 2Braithwaite, reported to be non-binary and to use they/them pronouns, had joined a gathering of people calling themselves Radical Faeries. The Daily Mail says they went by names including River and Wasp and arrived several days before their death. Metro says the event was described by Eurofaeries as a radically inclusive gathering of queer people to celebrate the autumn equinox. 1 2

Mixed · 2The cause of death has not been established. A post-mortem has not given a definitive explanation, according to Italian reports cited by the Daily Mail, and toxicology and other tests are awaited. Speculation covers foul play, a sex game gone wrong and suicide. The Carabinieri are keeping an open mind and have declined to call the death a murder. 1 2 Mixed · 2Both outlets cite an anonymous former member who spoke to The Telegraph. He described the group as attracting vulnerable newcomers at a low ebb. He suggested Braithwaite could have died in a drug-fuelled choking sex game or through rape under the influence of drugs. The Daily Mail adds his claims of frequent drug-taking and sexual grooming, and says there is no suggestion the organisers knew of or supported such activities. Metro adds that he said the group had a malevolent undertone and that he had witnessed rituals close to the edge. 1 2 Right · 1The Daily Mail reports that group members believe Braithwaite died by suicide. It cites an encrypted chat message saying they 'took their own life' and claims of long-term depression. It also says local reports suggest investigators have moved away from suicide and are examining an erotic game gone wrong, while police have not said whether it was murder or an overdose. 1

Mixed · 2Police found drugs or a substance and ritual-style objects at the scene, including an image of a half-man, half-goat on a stone slab. The Daily Mail adds that authorities stress there is no evidence linking the death to an esoteric or occult ritual. It also describes a tent containing a bondage-style leather harness and rubber gas masks. 1 2 Mixed · 2Canicattini Bagni mayor Paolo Amenta said the people living in the area's communal farmhouses had always been kind and he hoped the investigation would clarify what happened. Metro reports that a local called Giuseppe, 38, found the case very strange but said the group kept to themselves. 1 2 Mixed · 2Metro says Braithwaite was from Leeds and reportedly fell out with their mother, Angelique Wildbore, at around 18. It says she declined to comment. It also says the group is due to return to Featherstone Castle in Northumberland next month. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is supporting the family and is in touch with the local authorities. 2 1