Terry Lubbock, the father of the man found dead in Michael Barrymore's pool 20 years ago, has himself died at the age of 76.
In 2001, 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock was discovered floating in the swimming pool at Barrymore's Essex mansion following a house party.
Barrymore has consistently denied any knowledge of what happened to Stuart on the night in question, as have the other guests in attendance.
Terry embarked on a 20-year quest to get to the truth about his son's death but earlier this year he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given months to live.
Confirming Terry's death, friend Harry Cichy said: "He's died sad, because he's died knowing people never knew the truth about what happened. But no-one could have fought harder for their son.
"A new inquest was what really mattered to him. He had lost faith in the police. Sadly, he's died not knowing whether there will be another inquest."
DCI Jennings of Essex Police, who is responsible for the case, said: "Terry's devotion to his son and to his pursuit of justice knew no bounds. He was an example to many of us in his relentless quest for truth and justice.
"Our investigation into Stuart's death will not end with Terry's - as long as the case remains open, we will do all we can to deliver justice for him and his family.
"To this end we urge anyone who has information about Stuart's death to please now, more than ever, do the right thing and come forward."
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