Police have confirmed DNA from a body found on a Scots shoreline matched that of young dad Shaun Banner who has been missing for two months. The 34-year-old's family say a "gap has been left in all of their hearts" following the confirmation of his death.
In an emotional tribute, Shaun's brother Alan wrote: "Shaun had the biggest personality, the most infectious laugh and the wickedest sense of humour. He was so loved and had an army of people who cared about him".
Earlier this week, officers told his devastated loved ones that the body found on Shore Road West, in Invergordon, on June 14 was confirmed to be Shaun. Speaking after the news, his family said: "As most of you know, 10 weeks ago we started our search for Shaun.
"Our searches came to a halt two and a half weeks ago when a body was recovered from the water in Invergordon. We finally got answers earlier this week when we got the call to say that there was a DNA match and that the body recovered was Shaun. As you can imagine we are all crushed. This was never the outcome any of us wanted.
"Shaun was so loved, had the biggest personality, the most infectious laugh, the wickedest sense of humour, the biggest car collection and an army of people who cared about him. He’ll definitely leave a gap in all our hearts."
Shaun was first reported missing from the area on Saturday, April 23 before the family began the desperate search. Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
The family continued: "We have had the most incredible support in the last 10 weeks and genuinely been blown away by the amazing people we have in our lives and community.
"You have carried us and continue to hold us up through the most difficult time of our lives and this is something we’ll never be able to repay you all for. Thank you for everything!"
Shaun's funeral will take place on Monday, July 11. Full details will be posted by the family closer to the time.
Signing off the emotional tribute, they added: "Fly high Shaun. Love you, Mum, Alan, Bexy, Tia & Jack."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Formal identification has now taken place and we can confirm that the body found on Shore Road West, Invergordon, on Tuesday, June 14, has been confirmed as missing person Shaun Banner.
“Shaun was reported missing from the area on Saturday, April 23, 2022. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
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