# Investigation into death of British man in Sicily

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-death-in-sicily
> Updated: 2026-09-21T20:38:48.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4.

Authorities in Sicily have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the naked body of Benjamin John Braithwaite, a 34-year-old British tourist from Leeds, in the countryside between Noto and Canicattini Bagni. The body was found near an abandoned farmhouse in the Piano Milo area during the night of September 12-13.

While initial reports and the discovery of items such as a rope, psychotropic substances, and a goat's head near a nearby farmhouse fueled speculation regarding esoteric or occult rituals, investigators have since shifted their focus. After reviewing Braithwaite’s personal diary, which described him as being in a “happy period of his life,” authorities have largely ruled out suicide and ritualistic involvement.

A new hypothesis is being explored: that the death may have resulted from an erotic game involving voluntary asphyxiation, as marks on the neck are consistent with the rope found at the scene. 

The Noto Carabinieri and the Siracusa Prosecutor's Office are currently reconstructing Braithwaite’s movements. It has been reported that he joined a nature-based camping group known as ‘Le fatine’ after seeing their social media advertisements. 

As of September 21, an autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of death. The Prosecutor's Office of Syracuse has appointed a forensic pathologist to conduct the examination, with a 90-day deadline to submit the final report. Investigators continue to examine evidence, including the victim's seized diary, to clarify the circumstances leading to his death.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Investigation continues into death of British tourist in Noto

Authorities in Sicily are conducting an autopsy on Benjamin John Braithwaite, a British tourist found dead in Noto, to investigate whether his death resulted from an erotic game gone wrong.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/investigation-continues-into-death-of-british-tourist-in-noto

### 2026-09-18: Investigation into British tourist death in Sicily shifts focus

Italian investigators are looking into whether a British tourist's death in Sicily was caused by an erotic game gone wrong after his body was found near Canicattini.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/investigation-into-british-tourist-death-in-sicily-shifts-focus

### 2026-09-15: Sicily police investigate death of British man near off-grid community

Police in Sicily are investigating the death of a 35-year-old British man found naked near an off-grid community. Signs of violence and unusual items found nearby have sparked ritual murder speculation.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-police-investigate-death-of-british-man-near-off-grid-community

### 2026-09-14: Canicattini Bagni: Investigation launched after man found dead

Police in Sicily are investigating the mysterious death of a 30-year-old man found near an abandoned farmhouse in the countryside between Noto and Canicattini Bagni.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canicattini-bagni-investigation-launched-after-man-found-dead

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Cite as: Investigation into death of British man in Sicily. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-death-in-sicily