Tributes paid to drowned Wirral dad Robbie Crofts, 21

Sep 14 2011 by John Siddle, Birkenhead News

THE heartbroken family of dad-of-one Robbie Crofts are mourning the loss of a “wonderful son”

Tributes poured in after police confirmed a body recovered from the River Mersey on Sunday was that of the much-loved 21-year-old student.

He had vanished two weeks ago after making a late-night visit to New Brighton promenade with his girlfriend Hayley Holmes, whose body was discovered the next day near Fort Perch Rock.

On Facebook, tributes were led by Robbie’s mum Ellen Ann, 60, who had always insisted that her son was alive and well.

In a simple message, she wrote: “We all miss you, son and will always love you.”

Robbie, from New Brighton, described as “genuine, loving and funny” by his parents, began dating Hayley, from Birkenhead, just three weeks ago.

They had enjoyed Mathew Street Festival on August 28 before venturing to the seafront, where detectives later recovered his trainers and mobile phone.

Despite widespread fears that the sweethearts had both been swept out by sea currents, police launched a massive land and water search in a bid to trace him.

His body was discovered at Woodside, Birkenhead. A post-mortem confirmed he had drowned.

On Facebook, friends remembered a happy-go-lucky dad to Eva, two.

Pal Eleni Howe wrote: “Heaven has gained an amazing angel.

“I will miss you loads, no-one will ever compare to you.

“You were a true friend to so many and an amazing dad.

“You are a hero in mine and so many people’s eyes. You will never be forgotten.”

Friend Victoria Simon added: “You and Hayley will never be forgotten.

“Watch over your family and friends and your little girl – she will see her daddy in the sky always. Be the brightest stars up there.”

Cassandra Konnah Dodd commented: “RIP, Robbie, you have touched all our hearts.

“You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.”

An inquest into Robbie’s death will be opened by the Coroner's Office later this week.

Temporary detective chief inspector Dave McCaughrean, who led a missing person’s search with the police, coastguard and search and rescue teams, added: "Our thoughts are with Robbie and Hayley's families at this sad time."

More than 10,000 messages of support for the search for Robbie were posted on Facebook. Since the news of his death, a memorial page has attracted in excess of 5,000 tributes.