The family of missing Belfast man John George, also known as John Hardy, received the heartbreaking news this week as authorities confirmed the discovery of his body in Spain. This tragic development brings to close the agonizing search for the 37-year-old, who had been missing since December 14.
John George was last seen communicating with family members after he traveled to the Alicante region of Spain. Concerned for his safety when he didn’t board his flight back to Northern Ireland on December 18, his family initiated extensive search efforts. According to reports, Spanish police notified George’s father, Billy George, shortly after 5 PM GMT, confirming the identity of the remains pending formal identification through DNA tests.
Family solicitor Kevin Winters provided details about the calls received by Billy from the authorities. “Mr. Billy George was told by Spanish police... they had recovered his son’s remains,” he stated, underscoring the heavy mix of relief and distress the family felt during this harrowing time.
While formal identification is still underway, the family holds hope based on recognizable clothing and tattoos. Increasingly worried after John’s phone went silent on December 14, they grew concerned for his well-being. “I think he has been murdered and his body hidden somewhere. Those responsible need to tell us where he is,” Courtney George, John’s sister, expressed, reflecting the family’s conviction about the nature of his disappearance.
For the last several days, friends and family members from Northern Ireland worked tirelessly alongside local authorities to locate John. The K9 Search and Rescue NI team even traveled to Spain to assist. The police forces of Northern Ireland and Spain collaborated closely throughout the search and eventual discovery of Mr. George’s remains. "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 formalized murder investigation,” stated Winters.
Emotional tributes and gratitude for community support emerged from the family on social media. A statement shared online concluded with heartfelt thanks to those who assisted during the search: “Everyone’s love for John has brought both sides of the community together. Please just be patient as we’re trying to come to terms with all this.”
The discovery of John George’s body marks the end of what has been described as “an extremely tortuous search process” by his solicitor. The family, still grappling with grief, is now facing the painful reality of formal identification and the impending murder investigation.
John had been holidaying for weeks and was last known to have been traveling from Alicante to Benidorm before his disappearance. His saddened family had feared the worst amid the frantic search efforts. Police had reached out for public assistance, as his family and supporters pressed on to gather information and clues.
Now, the investigation has become formalized, and law enforcement indicates they will do everything possible to find justice for John George. Interpol has also been engaged to support Spanish authorities with the investigation.
The family’s outpouring of thankfulness for the support they received serves as a poignant reminder of their community’s willingness to assist during devastating times. While the road forward is fraught with uncertainty and mourning, they hope to learn the truth about John’s tragic end.
The community of Belfast watches closely as the investigation progresses, eager for closure on behalf of John George and his loved ones.