Jesus Moreno’s closest friends have spoken out about their 'first reaction' after receiving the devastating news his body had been found.
The 41-year-old father-of-one went missing in August 2022 which sparked extensive enquiries and a community wide search. His body was eventually found on Friday, April 14, on land in Harewood near the River Wharfe – a beauty spot he was revisiting after travelling from his home in Hunslet.
Jesus ran the Piglove Brewing Co with fellow Venezuelan pal Marcos Ramirez, 37. Marcos’ partner Rebecca Withe, 38, has spoken of the couple’s “sadness”, “shock” but ultimate "closure" after receiving the devastating news of Jesus’ passing.
Read more: Heartbreak as body found in search for Leeds man Jesus Moreno
Rebecca, who owns a beauty salon in Knottingley, said: “This is hopefully going to bring some closure for everyone now that we know the outcome and we’re no longer in this limbo that we’ve been in the last eight months.
“When I was told the news he’d been found, my first reaction was of elation as I assumed he’d been found alive. I didn’t think for a minute that [his death] would have been the outcome. I thought he may have gone away to clear his head. It was shock, to be honest. I felt very sad that I wouldn’t ever see my friend again.
“Marcos is okay, obviously he’s sad as well but he’s also having now to run a small business alone. Jesus would have wanted the business to succeed so that’s a priority for him.
“I miss his presence, he was very friendly, charismatic and was the life and soul of the party.”
The salon owner added that Jesus’ 16-year-old daughter and ex-wife are coping well with the news but found it difficult to put into words how they are feeling. Jesus’ funeral will be taking place towards the end of next month.
The couple needed an extra £4,000 to ensure the funeral service as planned so were forced the launch a kickstarter campaign on Go Fund Me. Rebecca spoke of the “overwhelming” response after they received all the required funds within 24 hours after sharing the link.
Rebecca said: “We had a really good response, it’s overwhelming really how quickly we got the money and all the support we’ve had ever since day one. We only started sharing the fundraiser on Saturday evening, as we wanted to check with his family in Venezuela they were happy with it, and by the next day we’d hit the target.”
Jesus’ funeral service will be held at Cottingley Crematorium on Monday, May 22, at 12.15pm.
Read next:
- Person killed after being hit by train as police issue statement
- Dale Meeks' brother says Emmerdale star was 'profoundly unwell' and 'unable to cope'
- Yorkshire actor and ex-Emmerdale star Chris Fountain shares tearful update after suffering stroke
- Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman dies aged 78
- Huge fire near Seacroft Hospital in Leeds as firefighters race to scene
