The body of Bryn Hargreaves, a rugby star who was first reported missing 14 months ago, has been found, his family has confirmed.
The tragic update comes more than a year after the former Wigan Warriors player vanished from his home in West Virginia.
A statement earlier this month from Monongalia County Sheriff confirmed that human remains had been discovered in the Cheat Lake area.
Bryn’s family have now confirmed that the 36-year-old’s body has finally been found, adding that the cause of death is still unknown.
His brother Gareth posted: “RIP Bryn Hargreaves. With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn.
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Bryn Hargreaves. Credit: findbrynjack.comBryn Hargreaves. Credit: Monongalia County Sheriff
“We still do not know the cause of death or what actually happened on 3/1/22. Thanks to all those that have helped in the search. We would appreciate a little space and will keep you updated when we have any further information.”
Bryn’s mother, Maria Andrews, also shared the news, writing: “Not something I wanted to be sharing. I’m in bits #heartbroken my beautiful son Bryn i can’t think of any words to describe the pain xx.”
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His sister-in-law posted on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that it has been confirmed that Bryn has now been found . Cause of death has not yet been determined and updates will be given when there is more information. A massive thank you to everyone for their time and support throughout the last 14 months. Bryn, you’re now at peace.”
Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Bryn Hargreaves.
Tributes have begun to flood in for the former league star, who played over his career for Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Bradford Bulls and Leigh Centurions.
Bradford Bulls shared: “We are extremely saddened to learn the body of former player Bryn Hargreaves has been found. Our thoughts and condolences are with Bryn’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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Wigan Warriors wrote: “Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Bryn Hargreaves. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Sky Sports Rugby League said: “The Rugby League community is saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Bryn Hargreaves. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Featured image: Monongalia County Sheriff
News
‘Unsettled week’ of wind, rain, and snow could greet Mancs into the new year
Thomas Melia
A mix of weather conditions could be expected to hit the north across the new year weekend – including wind, rain, and snow.
As Greater Manchester prepares to enter 2025, it looks like we’ll be bringing our usual moody weather along with us too, as starting today and running right through until the end of this week, Mancs can expect some not-so-pleasant conditions to accompany this party season.
The Met Office has described this period as ‘an unsettled week’.
While forecasters are encouraging people to keep checking for further weather updates where possible, thankfully, this turbulent spell of weather is only predicted to stick around until Thursday (2 January) – with no warnings issued for this Friday (3 January) or the weekend so far.
As we move from 2024 to 2025 the week ahead will involve plenty of rain, wind and some snow
If you have any plans over the New Year/Hogmanay period then check out all the important weather details below ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/qllOnV0cDX
In a video shared to the Met Office’s X account, the visual shows that the most severe cases of wet and windy conditions look like on New Year’s Day itself (Wednesday 1 January), where there is even some snow forecasted for certain areas.
“Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” warned Andy Page, who is the Chief Forecaster at the Met Office.
He continued: “With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”
Picturesque Greater Manchester railway granted £1.3m to restore historic viaduct
Emily Sergeant
One of Greater Manchester’s most picturesque railways has been given substantial funding to restore a historic viaduct along the line.
As part of the Government‘s wider Plan for Change, the Bury-based heritage railway, East Lancashire Railway (ELR), has been awarded more than £1.3 million in grants to carry out urgent repair work to the Higher Woodhill Viaduct – which is on the edge of Burrs Country Park, in the heart of the stunning Irwell Valley.
Repairs to the historic viaduct, which goes past the site of the former Higher Woodhill Mill, were last carried out all the way back in 1932.
But now, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted the funding for restoration through its ‘Community Ownership Fund’, alongside three local authorities from Bury, Rochdale, and the nearby Rossendale in Lancashire, all putting in a further £276,000 in match funding.
We’re supporting local treasures across the UK with vital funding
— Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) December 23, 2024
Important supporters of the railway, such as members of the public and local businesses, have also added a few thousand pounds more to the project.
While inspections to the structure and safety of the viaduct are carried out on a regular basis, ELR assures, it was flagged earlier in 2024 that long-term repairs would be required to allow for the “continued level of use” of steam and heritage diesel trains along the line.
Speaking on the funding being granted, Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, commented: “This is a major investment for the future and a massive vote of confidence for our dedicated volunteers and staff to help secure the railway’s infrastructure for years to come.
“Now with this fantastic news, we are able to continue running our award-winning events and services without disruption for future generations to enjoy, thanks to the generosity and support of the East Lancashire Railway Trust, our local community partners and supporters, as well as local and national politicians.”
Essential maintenance works are due to start next year in the spring.
Daisy Jackson -
20th March 2023 
