The search for missing Portadown man Andrew Robinson has come to a sad conclusion, after his wife confirmed that he had been found more than six weeks after he disappeared.
Andrew, who had been missing since November 15, was discovered on Saturday, December 27 following a vast multi-agency search centred along the River Bann.
The find brings to an end 42 agonising days of uncertainty for his family, who had kept an unwavering vigil at the riverside in the hope that he would be brought home.
His wife, Elizabeth Ruth Robinson, shared the news in a short but deeply emotional post today, writing simply: “My darling husband ❤️ We finally have you home.”
Just a day earlier, posting on Boxing Day, Elizabeth had reflected on the long, painful wait since her husband vanished: “How is it even possible that you walked out the door 42 days ago. 42 days without you. We spent everyday of this last 21 years together and now suddenly you just gone. How will I ever get used to you not being in my life and our amazing boys lives. I don’t think we will ever recover from losing you 💔 I wish you knew how much you are missed…42 days waiting patiently by the riverside in the hopes that today just might be the day this nightmare ends and we get to bring you back to us.”
Andrew’s disappearance prompted one of the most extensive search efforts seen locally in recent years.
Rescue teams continued combing the River Bann through storm-force winds, freezing temperatures and flood conditions, vowing not to give up hope.
Their efforts continued over Christmas.
Specialist search drones and high-tech equipment were also deployed by Sky Watch NI, ensuring that every stretch of river and bankland was combed as thoroughly as possible.
For Andrew’s family, the past six weeks have been an anxious and heartbreaking wait. Elizabeth Ruth, who has remained open about her loss throughout the search, never stopped urging for her beloved husband to be found.
Today, that wait ends. Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family, friends and those who have worked so hard in breaking his family peace.
A police spokesperson said: “The body of a man was recovered from the River Bann in Portadown on Saturday, December 27. Efforts are ongoing to identify the body and a post mortem examination will be carried out in due course to determine the cause of death. There are no further details at present.
