The Premier yesterday paid to a former MP found dead in his submerged van last week.

David Burt praised Darius Tucker for his mentorship role for young people.

Mr Burt said: “He was a member who served on both sides of the aisle, a member who was known not only for his political service, but, certainly, his community service.

“People will pay tribute to his warmth and kind hearted spirit.

“He always sent a kind letter of encouragement and support.”

Mr Tucker’s body was recovered off Marginal Wharf in St George’s by divers from the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard.

MPs yesterday held a minute’s silence in his honour.

Detective Inspector Sherwin Joseph appealed for information after the grim discovery was made.

Mr Joseph said anyone with CCTV in the St David’s area should review their footage from about 6.30pm last Sunday to check if cameras had captured a white motor van with the registration plate IN3074.

The van had a DTS logo on the side and was last seen heading into St David’s.

Mr Tucker was elected as an MP for the former United Bermuda Party in 2007 and later sat as an independent before he joined the Progressive Labour Party in 2011.

Anyone with any information that could assist the police investigation should contact Detective Inspector Derricka Burns on 717-0921 or 295-0011.