Police have launched an investigation after Darren Hughes, 29, was found dead in a rooftop hot tub at The Drift Hotel in Brighton early Sunday morning.
Hotel staff discovered his body at 7:45 AM. He had been celebrating his birthday with three close friends, but none were present at the scene when staff arrived. They later turned up hours apart with conflicting stories — claiming they had gone out for food around 1:00 AM and got separated.
However, CCTV contradicts this: footage shows one friend returning alone to the hotel at 2:19 AM carrying takeaway food, while another appears to leave the rooftop around 3:00 AM looking panicked. No one called emergency services until staff found the body.
A post-mortem showed signs of head trauma and elevated alcohol levels. No drugs were found.
Darren’s sister, Carla, believes something is being covered up: “He was fit, happy, and didn’t just pass out in a tub. Someone knows what happened.”
The three friends are being treated as persons of interest. Police say no charges have been made yet but "all avenues remain open".
Carla Hughes
Darren’s sister. Not a suspect. She believes one of the friends is covering up an accident or worse. Provided texts suggesting Darren was planning to “confront someone” that night.
Jaden Marks
Darren’s best friend since school. Returned to hotel alone with kebab. Said Darren was “chilling in the tub” when he left. Appears calm on CCTV but lied about timing.
Alicia Green
Darren’s ex-girlfriend, part of the group. Still close to Darren. CCTV shows her leaving rooftop alone at 3:02 AM looking distressed. Had a heated argument earlier per witnesses.
Nico James
Darren’s flatmate. Claims to have gone out for cigarettes around 1 AM and “got lost”. Didn’t return until 6 AM. Hotel keycard shows he entered the rooftop again at 2:40 AM.
CCTV Footage
Post-Mortem Report
Hotel Keycard Logs
Text Messages (from Darren to Carla)
Takeaway Receipt
Review the evidence, select your prime suspect, and submit your theory.
