The family of a west Belfast boxing champion have told of their heartbreak after his body was recovered from the River Lagan following an "agonising" nine week search.
Father-of-two Paul Conlon, who owned a barber shop in Andersonstown, entered the water on February 28.
Specialist search and rescue teams spent the next 63 days searching for the 44-year-old, as his 70-year-old father, Jimmy, brother, Jim and other family members looked on.
On Thursday, his remains were finally located and his body recovered from the water.
Speaking to the Irish News last night, Mr Conlon's brother, Jim said while the family were "heartbroken", the fact that his sibling had been found was "a weight off our shoulders".
The father-of-two said the "shock of losing Paul this way" could "not be described in words".
He described his brother, a former boxer for Holy Trinity Boxing Club, who later became an Ulster Senior Boxing Champion, as "talented".
"Paul was well known in west Belfast," he said.
"On the 28th of February, Paul, a father-of-two, took his own life, entering the River Lagan on one of the coldest nights of the year.
"The shock of losing Paul this way can not be described in words".
Mr Conlon described the past nine weeks as "agonising"and paid tribute to the "true heroes" who located his brother.
"Myself, our father and other family members searched for him every day," he said.
"During this journey we met many wonderful people who gave up their precious time to help us. These people provide volunteer services through Lagan Search and Rescue, Bangor Coastguard and Community Rescue Service".
He added:"We will forever be indebted to them for their tireless work and for the support they gave us through this very difficult time. They are true heroes".
Mr Conlon said his family had been left "heartbroken".
"Our Paul had a heart of gold," he said.
"He would have given you the shirt off his back. He was the first person up to the bar and the first person on the dance floor.
"We are just so glad to get him back. God help the families who have loved ones missing."
Mr Conlon also appealed to anyone at risk of suicide to: "Talk to somebody and seek some help. I know it's not easy".
**Lifeline can be contacted on 0808 808 8000
