Body found in Cheshire confirmed to be that of missing man Tony Williamson, as family pays tribute

The family of missing man Tony Williamson have paid tribute to him after his body was found in Cheshire.

The 62-year-old father from Trafford had been missing since December 2023.

Formal identification of a body found in the River Mersey in Warrington on Sunday has confirmed, tragically, that Tony has died.

His family have now issued a moving tribute to him, and thanked the public and the police for their support since his disappearance.

Greater Manchester Police have been conducting a wide-ranging search using specialised resources since late last year.

Tony’s family said: “We would like to thank everyone for sharing social media posts, and members of the public and friends who have been out looking for our dad Tony.

“It is truly with great sadness to say that he has passed away after battling a chronic illness that caused a severe decline in his mental health.

“He was a much-loved, well-respected man and no-one had a bad word to say about him.

“He was a beloved husband to our mum for over 30 years, a devoted dad and grandad. We are truly devastated by his loss.”

During the appeal to find Tony, his family had shared that he had been suffering with an illness that had left him in ‘continual pain’.

Speaking on behalf of the force and the Trafford district leading the investigation for GMP, Detective Sergeant Rory Leicester added; “First and foremost, our thoughts and condolences remain with Tony’s loved ones, who we have been in constant contact with for a number of months, always remaining hopeful.

“This investigation has affected us all personally and is not the news anyone wanted.

“Officers were committed to bringing the family their loved one back home but wished it wouldn’t be in these devastating and upsetting circumstances.

“The way Tony’s family and friends have conducted themselves, along with the outpouring of love from the public, has shown everyone just how much he meant to a lot of people and we hope they take some comfort in this.”

Tony’s family have asked for continued privacy while they continue to grieve and lay him to rest.

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Featured image: GMP