Body found on beach confirmed to be missing dad after six month-long search

TJay Waters went missing on Wednesday, March 5, with the last reported sighting of him coming the day before at Cash Converters in Southport town centre

Tragic news has emerged in the search for TJay Waters, a 36 year old man who went missing in March. A body discovered on Southport beach on Sunday, July 13, has been confirmed as TJay’s through forensic tests.

TJay, originally from Burnley but living in Southport, was last spotted at Cash Converters in the town centre on Tuesday, March 4. His worried mum, Sandra, made a heartfelt appeal in April, begging her son to return home and assuring him of their love and concern for his safety.

The family’s pleas for TJay’s safe return were echoed by his friend Mark Webster, who created posters and a Facebook group, “Help find TJay”, to aid the search efforts.

Sadly, the news of TJay’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with one friend expressing his shock and disappointment, saying: “Not the news I was hoping for.”

A Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed the identification of TJay’s body, stating: “We can confirm that the body of a man was sadly found on Southport beach on Sunday, 13 July.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“Forensic tests have now confirmed that the body is that of TJay Waters, who was reported missing in March.

“His family have been updated and are being supported at this time.

“Rest easy Tjay Waters. Some of the memories we have together I will cherish for the rest of my life my brother. As sad as the whole situation has been, you are finally at peace now.”

A poignant vigil was held at the RSPB Marshside site on Southport beach, where loved ones gathered to honour the father. Flowers, photographs and a Liverpool FC scarf were left at the gates in remembrance of TJay.

One mate, who played a part in arranging the vigil and balloon release, shared: “Great send off for TJay thanks for everyone who came along yesterday, very emotional day for us all he would been proud off the turn out rest in peace TJay mate from us all.”

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