Body of missing NI chef discovered in Amsterdam canal
RELATIVES of a Northern Ireland man who went missing in Amsterdam have said their nightmare of waiting is over after his body was found.
The remains of Connor Murphy were recovered from a canal in the Dutch city on Friday.
Mr Murphy (39), from Newcastle in Co Down, had lived in Amsterdam for the past three years, working as a chef.
He was last seen in the Oudeschans area of the city between 1am and 2am on Sunday, January 13.
Mr Murphy had been visiting a friend the day before and left in the early hours, but had not been seen since.
His family had launched an appeal to find him but they revealed on Saturday evening that a body had been found.
His remains are expected to be formally identified today.
Posting on the family’s #letsfindmurph Facebook page, a family member wrote: “Day 34.
Proved to the end of this nightmare.
“We didn’t get the postcard we hoped for.
“Connor Murphy was recovered from the canal yesterday. Although official DNA won’t take place until Monday.”
The family thanked everyone who had supported them over the last few weeks.
They added: “(Thank-you) for all the prayers, candles, masses, messages, phone calls, visits, likes and shares. For your generosity.
All money donated will go towards those charities that have helped us and gave us hope and encouragement when we felt there was none.
“We got our miracle. We got our son, brother, brother-in law, uncle, best man, cousin and friend back. We as a family are going to take time together to process this. We thank you for privacy at this time.”
Friends and family paid tribute to Mr Murphy on the Facebook page.
One person wrote: “Sending love and support to all of Murph’s family and friends! An absolute gentleman, one of the best... there are few people like him! He will be very sadly missed.” Another wrote: “This is so heartbreaking to read! Another good soul gone too early, sending all my love and deepest sympathies to you all.”