The devastated partner of a young mum whose body was found at a beauty spot has described her as “our world”.
Rhys Hines paid an emotional tribute to Sophie Moore, whose body was found at Stephens Pond near Sutton Coldfield on Tuesday.
The couple had been together six years and together have a three-year-old son, Daniel.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Tuesday morning but were unable to help 25-year-old Sophie.
Rhys, 26, led the tributes to his girlfriend, saying: “Sophie, I hope you understood how much Daniel and I loved you. You were our world. My world is now upside down.
“I hope you are at peace now. I will always love you and wish I had told you more often. I miss you already... I love you so much Soph, Rhys x”
BirminghamLive reported that a host of floral tributes, balloons, candles, a cherry Coke bottle and photos of Sophie have been left close to where she died.
Rhys spoke to BirminghamLive and added: “Sophie was my partner for six years. And from then she hasn’t left my side.
“I personally want to thank the ladies of the Friends of Stephens Pond and Berryfields Orchard for their ongoing support.
"They have said they are going to make a little memorial garden around the tree by the pond to make a special place."
Other heartfelt floral tributes and messages have been left to the young mum around a tree close to Stephens Pond where Sophie's body was found.
Pink roses were left in a vase which had: “In loving memory of a dear Sister” on the side. Other floral tributes included: “RIP Sophie. Sleep with the Angels, Linda & Elaine x.”
Another said: “Soph, Flowers ain’t going to bring you back! It’s just a way for us to feel close to you baby sis. Always and forever loved. Love you always, Meg, Archie, Emma, Luke.”
A further tribute added: “In loving memory – Fly high with the Angels, Emily B & family x.” And a glass vase with flowers had the message: “Sleep soundly sweet Sophie. Flying with the angels. RIP lovely, Julie xx & Tina xx.”
A framed photo of Sophie had the message: “Sophie Moore: In loving memory of a beautiful person.”
A heart-shaped slate hanging from a tree said: “Rest in peace Sophie… Love the Friends of Stephens Pond.”
Susan Rooke, founder and leader of Friends of Stephens Pond and Berryfields' Orchard said: “We would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sophie Moore who I talked to back in July this year.
“I invited her to our games event and she joined as our 100th member. We are broken-hearted about what has happened to her. Rest in peace Sophie, reunited with her mum.”
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said earlier this week: “The body of a woman, in her 20s, was found by Stephens Pond, off Hermitage Drive in Sutton Coldfield, at 9am. Sadly the woman was confirmed dead at the scene.
"We are not currently treating her death as suspicious. This will be referred to the coroner in due course."
