A former employee and Police media officer has been found dead at the age of 35.

The body of Coleman Easton was discovered at a residence in Pembroke yesterday morning.

Police are keeping an open mind about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Easton?s death and last night said they had not ruled out foul play.

Investigations are continuing after Mr. Easton?s body was found shortly after 9.00 a.m. in what is believed to be the basement apartment of his mother?s residence.

Touching tributes have already been paid by former colleagues of the well-liked media professional, who latterly worked as a spokesman for local cell phone company Cellular One.

During the mid to late 1990s, Mr. Easton worked at , current editor Bill Zuill said: ?He was a very likeable, amiable man. It was a pleasure to work with him and everyone at the Gazette is shocked and saddened to hear the news about someone we knew both from the time he worked at the newspaper and the period he worked as a Police spokesman.?

Mr. Easton had a step-daughter although he is believed to have been divorced at the time of his death.

After leaving he joined the Bermuda Police Service in the media relations department in July 1999.

His immediate boss was Evelyn James Bennett who, at the time, was Press and Media Relations Manager. She said: ?He was a very dedicated, creative and compassionate person who worked very well, and he adored his daughter.

?He was someone who was always looking for a challenge and met life head on. His death is a real tragedy and my sympathies go out to his family.?

She added: ?When I left in 2001, he stayed on as interim manager for a short while. He was very capable and a great worker.

?He had so much potential and was a caring guy and a consummate professional. I remember he loved computers and was into sports and encouraged his daughter in some sporting endeavours.?

Mr. Easton received official praise and thanks from the Bermuda Police Service for his ?stellar work and commitment to excellence? when he left in December, 2001 to join local cellular phone company Cellular One as a media spokesman. was unable to contact anyone from Cellular One last night, but it is believed Mr. Easton still worked for the company at the time of his death.