The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Family pay respects to much-loved Liam
Remembered: Fond memories of musician
The family of tragic Inverness musician Liam Colgan – whose body was pulled from a German river 10 weeks after he went missing – yesterday made an emotional tribute to the 29-year-old.
Postal worker Liam, from the Holm area of the Highland capital, vanished on a stag do he had organised in Hamburg for his brother Eamonn on February 10.
A statement issued yesterday – a day after the grim discovery was made at River Elbe – paid tribute to the “humble musician”, adding: “On behalf of all of Liam’s family we would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the incredible support we have received.
“Whilst we still await confirmation regarding the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death there would be appear to be no suspicious circumstances and this has been a tragic accident.
“As this is an extremely difficult situation for us all to accept, we would ask that people refrain from unnecessary speculation as to the circumstances surrounding his death.”
It went on: “Liam was a much loved son, brother, brother in law, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to so many.
“He was a hugely talented yet humble musician. He had a very natural sense of humour that made him a joy to be around.
“He cared for his nieces immensely and would visit them at every opportunity, they miss him greatly. Liam had a laid back, selfless personality that made him impossible not to get on with.
“As a family we have had huge support from everyone who was lucky enough to have known Liam.
“We also find it a testament to the amazing person Liam was that people who did not know him before his disappearance also found it in their hearts to offer support and help in our search for him. We love you Liam.”
Police in Hamburg said a post-mortem examination was being carried out, with the results expected to be known by the end of the week.
Formal identification is also to take place, but police and Liam’s family have confirmed it was the missing Scot given the fact his driving licence was in the pocket of the jacket and the clothes on the body were those he was wearing the night he disappeared.
Liam’s disappearance sparked major searches spearheaded by brother Eamonn, now based in Dundee working as a policeman. He postponed his wedding while searches took place.
“A personality that made him impossible not to get on with”