Cullen family prepares to say farewell to Michael

THE funeral of a man found dead three weeks after going missing will take place next Tuesday.

The body of Michael Cullen (33), a talented beatboxer from north Belfast, was recovered from Cavehill on Wednesday after a high-profile search campaign.

He went missing on January 9 and efforts to find him were backed by well-known figures including boxer Carl Frampton and actor and director Sir Kenneth Branagh.

Instead of sending flowers, mourners are being asked to donate to the Community Rescue Service, which assisted in the search.

Mr Cullen’s funeral service will take place at 11am on Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Church on Oldpark Road.

A family notice described him as the “loving son of Rosemarie and Kevin” and “devoted brother of Cathy, Daniel and Colm”.

It remembered him as a “loving nephew, cousin and friend” who will be “deeply missed by the entire family circle”.

The notice added: “Love, laugh and sparkle bright.”

Writing on the Find Michael Cullen Facebook page yesterday, his brother Colm said: “In the passing of Michael we lost a brother, a son and a great friend.

“We would like to thank everyone who helped us and supported us in this hard and tragic time, and we would also like to give a big thanks to the Community Rescue Service Belfast and to all members of the public who helped us search for him.

“Rest easy my brother, we’ll cross paths again soon.”