West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the body found in the River Calder in Horbury Bridge, West Yorkshire, on Tuesday was that of missing pensioner Colin Vasey.
The 81-year-old was the subject of a county-wide missing persons appeal after he suddenly left his home in Dewsbury on Sunday, November 17 without warning.
He was only wearing pyjamas and a dark blue dressing gown, prompting police to say they "urgently" needed to find him.
His granddaughter Lauren Vasey launched an emotional appeal to find him and said: "My granddad is a very lovable character who is loved by many. We just want him home so much."
The force deployed drones and helicopters in their widespread search, but having trawled through hours of CCTV they centred their operation on the River Calder.
It was confirmed on Tuesday, November 17 that a body had been found in the River Calder, near the building yard at Horbury Bridge.
Colin's family were informed at the time, but it is only now that a formal identification process has been completed to confirm that it was his body.
'This wasn’t the outcome we were wishing for'
Speaking on Tuesday, detective chief inspector Fiona Gaffney said: "Following an extensive search for over the past four weeks, we are sad to inform the public that a body has been found in the search for Colin Vasey.
"While formal identification has yet to take place, the family of Mr Vasey are aware and they are being supported by officers.
"This wasn’t the outcome we were wishing for, but we hope Mr Vasey’s family will now have the closure they need and can begin to grieve for Colin.
"They have requested that their privacy is respected at this time.
"I would like to thank all those who have helped in the search for Mr Vasey – the outpouring of support and the response from the public has been nothing short of immense.
"We have had hundreds of people helping in whatever way they can, from providing and searching for CCTV, to on the ground searches.
"Their support is greatly appreciated by Mr Vasey’s family, the police and the wider community."
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