A heartbroken sister has paid tribute to her missing brother and his dog after their bodies were discovered in Glencoe.
Kyle Sambrook, 33, had taken a wild camping and hiking trip to the Highlands with his beagle Bane on Saturday, February 18. The hillwalker, from West Yorkshire, did not return home on Tuesday, February 21, and had not been in touch with friends or family.
That sparked a frantic search before it was confirmed that their bodies had been discovered on Saturday at around 2.15pm. Kyle's family and friends, many of whom were were involved in the search, have been left devastated by the news and tributes have flooded in to the man, who has been described as a "top lad and awesome footballer".
His sister, Rachel, vowed not to return home until her big brother had been found. After the heartbreaking news was confirmed she said: “I said I wasn’t going home until I found you. I love you big bro - and my fur baby. Have the best time together.”
Volunteer mountain rescuers searching for Kyle found the bodies in a deep gorge above the Fionn Ghleann.
An attempt was made to recover them by helicopter but was unsuccessful due to the terrain. Instead the helicopter was then re-tasked meaning the bodies had to be lowered and carried off the hill by hand.
Kyle's friend Colan Leung, who was involved in the search, said: “These last few days have been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically, mentally and emotionally all rolled into one, it all still feels like a nightmare and doesn’t feel real one bit.
“What Kyle’s family have had to go through is something no one should ever have to. Watching his loved ones searching day and night was heartbreaking and painful to watch.
“But they never gave up hope. None of us gave up hope and we couldn’t have done any more. You stuck to your words Rachel Sambrook and I know Kyle would be so proud of his little sister.
“I don’t really have the words. I’m absolutely heartbroken to have lost not one, but two friends in both Kyle and Bane. I feel numb.
“Fly high up there my mate. I hope you’re on a new adventure together with your best mate. You both might be gone but you’ll both never be forgotten.”
Meanwhile Ryan Winn said: “Can’t believe I’m not going to see you again. I’m going to miss seeing you at Costa on a morning and having a natter. You’re going to be missed by many Kyle. Some man you were - you and Bane keep my place warm. Love ya mate, till I see you again.”
Matty Bell said: “Rest in peace Kyle Sambrook. Absolute top lad and awesome footballer. Will sadly be missed.”
Caroline Durham said: “Rip Kyle And Bane. We will miss you so much. You were an amazing person.”
Flo Sinclair added: “Kyle and Bane, together forever.”
There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances relating to the death.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 2.15pm on Saturday, February 25, the bodies of a man and a dog were recovered by Mountain Rescue Teams and HM Coastguard in the Glencoe Area.
"They have now been identified as Kyle Sambrook and his dog Bane, who were reported missing earlier this week.
"The family wish to thank all involved in the search and have requested their privacy be respected.
"There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
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