The body of rugby league star Bryn Hargreaves has been found after he went missing over a year ago, his family have confirmed.
Ex-St Helens player Hargreaves had been living in the US for a decade when he vanished without trace in January last year, sparking a major search by police in West Virginia.
His brother, Gareth Hargreaves, confirmed that the then 36-year-old’s body had been found fourteen months on.
He said in a post on Facebook: “With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn.
“We still do not know the cause of death or what actually happened on 3/1/22.
“Thanks to all those that have helped in the search. We would appreciate a little space and will keep you updated when we have any further information.”
His mother Maria Andrews also paid tribute to her “beautiful” son, writing: “Not something I wanted to be sharing. I'm in bits heartbroken.
“My beautiful son Bryn. I can't think of any words to describe the pain xx."
US police had attended his home in West Virginia on January 3 last year and found the door unlocked with all his belongings inside.
A massive manhunt was launched, which was unsuccessful, with the family later turning to a private detective to help find him.
Hargreaves, originally from Wigan, made 175 appearances in the sport’s Super League for Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Bradford Bulls.
He later moved to the United States to work in the oil and gas industry after the Bulls went bust.
At the time of his disappearance, his family believed that he could have been abducted.
“Bryn had mental health issues and was in severe pain with his back from a car accident in December,” Gareth said last June as they continued the search.
“He’d also been away from his family at Christmas. The most likely scenarios were that he decided to harm himself or had decided to disappear for a bit and come back."
No cause of death has yet been confirmed.
