Andy Cooper: Rest in peace. Image from Lisa Williams.

In the period since Christmas, I’ve shared with readers the desperate search for missing Walsall lad Andy Cooper; Andy was well known and liked in Walsall where he grew up, but was living in Stourport when he went missing just after New Year 2017.

It’s my sad and awful duty to share the news that Andy’s body has been found.

Lisa Williams, who shared the original appeal with me and worked tirelessly to keep the search for Andy in the public eye, posted on my timeline this morning:

Sharing these lovely pics with the sad message that unfortunately Andy has been found dead.

I feel sick writing those words but nothing can compare to how his wife, boys and family must be feeling right now.

Andy I can’t find the words. You were a lovely man RIP love Lisa and family xxxx

My deepest sympathies and sadness go out to Andy’s family and friends, and I speak for all the readers in expressing my sincere condolences. Andy was clearly a wonderful man and when you share appeals for missing people, you become personally involved; I feel so much for all those whose life Andy touched.

Thanks to all who shared the appeals on social media and kept a lookout, and particularly to Andy’s friends like Lisa who toiled to keep the search prominent in folk’s minds.