Sonia Exelby: Family of Brit believed to have been murdered in Florida pay tribute to ‘truly beautiful person’
The family of a British woman believed to have been murdered in Florida after disappearing from her home in Hampshire have paid a moving tribute, describing her as a “truly beautiful person” and “the kindest soul”.
Sonia Exelby was reported missing from her address in Southsea, Portsmouth, on 12 October 2025.
By this time, initial police investigations revealed that he had already left the country.
His body was found by US investigators five days later in Marion County, Florida.
Dwain Hall, 53, of Ocala, was later arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
He had already been detained over the alleged fraudulent use of Ms Exelby’s credit cards.
Hall is expected to appear in court in November.
Hampshire police said in a statement on behalf of the family: “Sonia was a truly beautiful person, inside and out.
“He was such a gentle soul; he was so kind that he chose to become vegan because he couldn’t bear the thought of any animal suffering just so he could eat. That’s what he was: gentle, caring, and full of quiet love.”
“She was incredibly talented. Sonia could play the piano so effortlessly and had the voice of an angel when she sang. Being around her felt special; she brought a calmness and warmth that made everything feel a little lighter.”
“Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe. She never judged, never criticized; she just accepted people as they were and loved them for it. This is something many of us will carry with us forever.”
The youngest of six children, his family said he was “very much loved by all his siblings”.
The family added: “He was soft spoken and always gave the best, most intense hugs. “It was the baby inside us that bonded us together.
“We will never get over losing her, which has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. The world has lost so much kindness and light that her absence will be felt by so many people for many years to come.”
“We know life wasn’t always easy for you, but your life was so much more than the struggles you faced. This is so important to us that the life you live is the life you are remembered for.”
“You are deeply loved and always will be deeply loved. We miss you more than words can express. We love you so much, always and forever.”
The Hampshire force said: “On Sunday 12 October we received a report that Sonia was missing from her home in Southsea.
“Initial investigations established that he had traveled outside the UK prior to the report being received.”
It was stated that the force continues to support the FDLE investigation and specially trained police officers are providing assistance to Ms Exelby’s family in the UK.
