The discovery of a body in Spain believed to be that of John George ends an “extremely tortuous search process”, a statement issued on behalf of his family said.
The 37-year-old west Belfast man had been holidaying in Alicante and was last in touch with his family on December 14.
The father of two was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight home to Northern Ireland.
The family are both distressed but also relieved at this latest news
Solicitor firm KRW Law said Mr George’s father Billy contacted them on Tuesday evening with an update that Spanish police believed they had found his son’s remains.
“We can confirm the father of Mr George contacted us today shortly after 5pm to confirm Spanish police told him they had recovered his son’s remains,” the statement said.
“Mr Billy George was told that his son’s body was now in a morgue awaiting formal identification.
“The family are both distressed but also relieved at this latest news.
“It brings to an end an extremely tortuous search process for the body.”
Mr George’s family and friends had travelled to Spain to help search efforts and made public pleas for information.
Parents Billy and Sharon, brother Darren, and sisters Courtney and Caitlin – along with up to 50 friends and wider family from Northern Ireland – were involved in the wide-scale search operation.
The family want to thank all who have helped and supported them over the last number of days
The statement said a murder investigation had been launched and appealed for privacy for Mr George’s family.
It said: “The family want to thank all who have helped and supported them over the last number of days.
“They now respectfully ask for some privacy to allow them both time and space to engage on the next harrowing stages on what is now a formalised murder investigation.”
Police in Northern Ireland have been aiding their Spanish counterparts with their investigation and had issued appeals for information since Mr George was reported missing.
