Family’s pain as missing man’s body is found
THE heartbroken mother of a young man whose body was discovered in a river has told of her devastation.
The body of Steven Dyson, 22, was found in the River Irwell, in Ramsbottom, on Saturday, January 6 - six days after he went missing following a New Year’s Eve party.
When Steven disappeared, dozens of people across Ramsbottom joined in a mass search to find him.
A fund set up to help his family with funeral costs was set up, and has already reached £5,400 in just a few days.
His mum Lorraine Roach has now spoken of her heartbreak - and her ‘eternal gratitude’ to those who have offered her family support.
In a statement on the ‘In Memory of Steven Dyson’ Facebook group, she wrote: “As you all know my beautiful son Stephen has passed away, hopefully to a better place.
“My heart is broken and no mummy should have to go through what I have been through this past week.
“No words can describe how much the love and support from the Ramsbottom community and beyond has helped me through this traumatic time.
“I felt like crumbling, but just seeing hundreds of people queuing to help find my Steven has given me the strength to carry on.
“The ‘In memory of Steven Dyson’ group has my eternal gratitude. You have no idea what you have done for me, my family and my lovely angel Steven.
“I know he is smiling down at us now and is as proud of each and every one of you, as I am.
“Mummy loves you Steven, I miss you, I love you and I’m broken.”
Police called off their search for Steven on Saturday. He is understood to have left a party on St Andrew’s Close in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
He was last seen at 9am. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
However, enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances which led to his passing. It was previously thought that Steven may have been assaulted at the party.
A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault has since been released pending further investigations.
Bury North MP James Frith also paid tribute to the ‘incredible’ support from people in Ramsbottom.
Speaking in the House of Commons this week, he said: “It is at the worst of times we often see the best of people.
“The outpouring of support was incredible and I hope goes some way in giving strength to Steven’s dear mum and everyone mourning.”
A celebration of Steven’s life will take place in Nuttall Park this Sunday, January 14.
Those wishing to attend should meet at Ramsbottom Royal Legion at 3pm.
Mourners carrying lanterns will walk down to the park where green biodegradable balloons will be released.
On Sunday Detective Inspector Amanda Murray reported officers found the body of a man in the river on Saturday, after a call from the public.