Corry Ferguson's family have been left "heartbroken" after police confirmed that a body found on a beach was that of the missing 26-year-old.
Police were called to the grim discovery on Irvine Beach Park at around 6.45am on Friday, March 18.
Formal identification has taken place and detectives have now confirmed that the body was that of Corry, who had been missing from Saltcoats since March 1.
His loved ones said for the 12 days that followed they had held onto "the tiniest bit of hope that it wasn’t Corry" who had been found.
Their world "came crashing down" yesterday when officers called to confirm his identity.
In a heartbreaking post on a Facebook page 'Missing Person Corry Ferguson', the family wrote: "Tuesday 1st March 2022 the day that changed so many lives forever.
"Corry got up and went about his normal business that morning before he went missing.. after 17 days of what can only be described as hell the family got the dreaded call to say a young mans body had been found at Irvine beach.
"12 days of uncertainty and holding on to the tiniest of hope that it wasn’t Corry all came crashing down today and the police have confirmed that Corry was in fact the young man discovered on the 18th of March 2022 at Irvine Beach."
Corrie's family added that they "know nothing more at this point", before thanking the local community for their support.
They continued: "Thank you to everyone for being respectful to the family over the last few weeks, nothing seems real but the reality of that call today has hit hard.
"Our boy will be home soon and we will be able to lay him to rest."
Following the devastating news tributes have poured in for Corry, who has been described as the "best person" who was "taken far too soon".
Dylan Dickson said: "Rest easy Corry brother, at peace now ma man. See you on the other side bro."
Melanie Manuel said: "So heartbreaking! Gorgeous lad. So sorry for the outcome."
Séani Henderson said: "The best person taken far too soon, forever grateful to have known you. Rest in Peace."
Catherine Hampton added: "Heartbreaking. Forever Young Corry."
Julie Paterson said: "Heart's breaking. The next step is getting this Bhoy home and giving him the BEST send off he deserves. Corry, you are loved to the moon and back xxxxx."
Emma Findlay added: "Fly high Corry. Forever in our hearts."
A fundraiser has been launched to help raise cash towards Corry's funeral.
Stephen Meechan, who set up the GoFundMe, said: "We are asking again that the local community band together and help give one of their own a send off he deserves - and help to take a small bit of pressure off a family who have already suffered so much.
"Any donation is greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small. RIP Corry."
To donate, click here.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 6.45am on Friday March 18, 2022, the body of a man was found on the beach at Irvine Beach park.
"Formal identification has taken place and it is confirmed as 26-year-old Corry Ferguson, missing from Saltcoats since Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The death is not being treated as suspicious."
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