Tributes paid to Wirral dad Robbie Crofts, whose body was recovered from the River Mersey

Sep 13 2011 by John Siddle, Liverpool Echo

Robbie Crofts,with daughter Eva

THE heartbroken family of father-of-one Robbie Crofts were today mourning the loss of a “wonderful son”.

Police have confirmed a body recovered from the Mersey on Sunday was that of the much-loved 21-year-old student from New Brighton.

Robbie vanished two weeks ago after making a late-night visit to New Brighton promenade with his girlfriend Hayley Holmes, 17.

Hayley’s 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 kept faith that her son would be found alive and well.

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

Robbie, described as “genuine, loving and funny” and a “wonderful son” by his parents, began dating Hayley, from Birkenhead, in early August.

They had enjoyed Mathew Street Festival on Sunday, 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.