Family tells of heartbreak after body of missing mother is found in River Foyle

THE family of a missing woman have told of their sadness after her body was recovered from the River Foyle.

Helena McElhennon from the Draperstown area was reported missing in late November.

The 42-year-old was last seen near the Foyle Bridge. Her Mitsubishi Outlander car was discovered nearby.

She was mother to four children aged between one and 10. Police confirmed a body had been recovered from the Foyle on Tuesday evening and that Mrs McElhennon’s family had been notified.

On the ‘Bring Helena Home’ Facebook page search organisers confirmed the news.

“It is with a sad and heavy heart we tell you that late yesterday evening we found Helena during our daily search,” a statement read.

“While we always held to hope we would find her alive, unfortunately this was not to be.

“We understand that yesterday there were many people asking for updates of the search; however we had to go through a process to confirm this and inform family members.

“Our sincere thanks go to extended family, friends, strangers and most of all the many different search teams who have helped us over the past few weeks.

“Funeral arrangements will be posted later and at this time we ask that you give us some time to come to terms with what has happened.”

Foyle Search and Rescue (FSR) said they were tasked by police to recover a body at around 5.30pm on Tuesday. “Our thoughts and prayers to the family involved. Appreciation to Search Team North West, Lough Neagh Search and Rescue and Community Rescue Service and all organisations,” an FSR spokesperson said.

The mother-of-four’s family had been left heartbroken by herdisappearance.HersisterTeresa Kidd had previously spoken about the effect Helena’s disappearance was having on her children.

“Helena has a one-year-old, a five-year-old, a nine-year-old and a 10-year-old. The three older children have all been told, so they’re all aware of what is going on,” she said. “The kids got through Christmas okay, thankfully, and were happy with all their Santa toys.

“They were just very, very quiet this year because of it all.”

If you have been affected by any issues in this article, please contact the Samaritans free on 116123 or Lifeline on 080 8808 8000.