Body found on shore of Cromarty Firth confirmed by family to be that of missing Easter Ross man Shaun Banner (34)
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THE family of an Easter Ross man who went missing in April have confirmed the body recovered from the water near Invergordon was him.
Shaun Banner's devastated loved ones have paid heartfelt tribute to the "incredible" support offered by their community over the past 10 weeks.
His family confirmed today that DNA testing of the body found on the shore of the Cromarty Firth on the afternoon June 14 has been confirmed to be Shaun.
They posted: "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.
"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 be Monday, July 11 with details to be posted closer to the time.
Alness-based youth group The Place, which had helped during extensive searches by community volunteers, also posted its condolences to Shaun's family and the pledge of ongoing support.
It said: "We are heartbroken for Alan, Bexy, Hannella, Jack and the rest of Shaun’s family and friends.
"The support we have seen for this family over the last 10 weeks has been incredible, and we are so proud to be living in this community with so many thoughtful and caring souls.
"For the family, we are all here. To love, support and carry you through these tough times. Shaun was loved by many, and he will forever live on in our hearts.
"The last 10 weeks have been tough to say the least, but we will always be here to support this truly special family."
