Northern Ireland

Fears grow in Florida for Co Tyrone man missing for three weeks

John McNamee, originally from Pomeroy in Co Tyrone, has been missing in Jacksonville, Florida, since May 25.
John McNamee, originally from Pomeroy in Co Tyrone, has been missing in Jacksonville, Florida, since May 25. John McNamee, originally from Pomeroy in Co Tyrone, has been missing in Jacksonville, Florida, since May 25.

THE wife of a Co Tyrone man who was last seen in Florida three weeks ago has described her family's concern over his safety as "torture".

John McNamee, originally from Pomeroy but who has lived in the US for 13 years, was last seen on May 25 in Jacksonville, where he lives with his wife and two young daughters aged eight and six.

The 47-year-old had booked a flight for May 30, but never boarded it.

A truck belonging to him has been located behind a hotel close to Jacksonville International Airport, in an area surrounded by woodland.

A search by members of Jacksonville Sheriff's Office involving blood hounds and a diving team has so far turned up nothing.

The sheriff's office does not believe foul play is involved, according to a missing person's report.

Members of his family from Tyrone have now flown out to the US to join the search after an online campaign raised almost £14,000 in just three days.

Speaking to reporters in Jacksonville, John's wife Jennifer said the family's worry was "torture", adding: "There's got to be somebody out there who knows something."

After arriving in Jacksonville, John's uncle, also John McNamee, said: "It's totally out of John's character to do anything like this."

He added: "John has two young kids over here...they need their daddy very badly."

Fermanagh and South Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew, said she has been liaising with John's family in Pomeroy, who are "frantic with worry".