Tributes have been paid to a 'nature-loving' gardner who was found dead in a Stockport park on Monday evening.
Now named publicly as Robert Finnigan, the Offerton dad had been missing for more than a month when his body was uncovered at Vernon Park in the evening of March 14. Concerns had previously been raised about his whereabouts when he had failed to reply to messages from his son, with police issuing numerous appeals in a bid to help trace him.
The gardener, who also had a keen interest in fishing, had first been reported missing on February 6, and was later found in Vernon Park - more than five weeks later. A large emergency services response rushed to the scene as officers from Greater Manchester Police sealed off the entrance to the lower section of the river path inside the beauty spot into Tuesday morning.
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The family have since spoken out about their devastation following his death and have asked people who want to pay their respects, to leave flowers at the park. The death is not being treated as suspicious, police confirmed.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News the day before his body was found, Robert's step-daughter Lauren Showell told of how the family were desperate for answers and 'at a loose end' following his sudden disappearance, after he had stopped replying to calls and texts.
The last time the Lauren, her mum and younger brother had seen Robert was when he had visited their house for dinner the weekend before he was reported as missing, when he was described as being 'normal and his usual self'. His family, along with police, had previously urged the public to be aware of possible sightings at various beauty spots in the nearby area.
"He is an avid fisher and also is a gardener and loves the outdoors and nature, so thought he could've been seen anywhere such as Adswood Pond, Edgeley Reservoir, Poynton Pool or Vernon Park," Lauren said. Greater Manchester Police went on to issue two public appeals before his body was pulled from the water at around 5pm on Monday.
In a public tribute on behalf of the family, Lauren said: "I'd like to thank each and every person for their kind words, concern and support and for all the shares regarding the disappearance of Rob, as a family we are so overwhelmed.. words can't really describe how thankful we are.
"We are devastated to share the news that it was indeed Rob who was recovered from the water on Vernon Park on Monday evening. We would appreciate your understanding and patience while we grieve as a family. If anyone would like to pay their respects by leaving flowers or visiting Vernon Park, we request that you do so respectfully."
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. A report is being prepared for the coroner, the force added.
Read more stories from across the Stockport borough on our website here.
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