Brother of missing Alex Wilby's 'heavy heart' as tributes pour in for 'friendly loving funny guy'

Tributes have flooded in after a body was tragically found in the search for a missing Ossett man.

Alex Wilby, 38, was last seen leaving his family address in Ryhill, near Barnsley, on the morning of Sunday, November 24. A body was found in Barewell Hill in Hemsworth at about 9am on Friday, November 29.

Leading the tributes was brother Greg who announced Alex's death with a 'heavy heart'. He said the community's help in the search provided a 'great comfort' through this 'sad time'. Alex has been praised by friends as always having a 'smile on his face and always having a laugh'.

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His death is not being treated as suspicious. Alex's mum Caroline Jones said he had been 'suffering with depression' before he went missing and had been staying with her for some time, before going on a walk on Sunday. Caroline had put out a heartfelt plea for those in Ryhill to check garages and sheds while teams searched for him.

Posting on Facebook, Greg said: "It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that Alex has been found. We would like to thank everyone for the support offered by family, friends, emergency services and the community as a whole, in a sad time this has given us great comfort. But now it’s time for the family to be together so I would kindly ask for people to respect our privacy."

West Yorkshire Police posted a statement on Facebook confirming the discovery, below the post, friends and strangers posted tributes about Alex. Lauren Hawley said: "Absolutely devastated. What an incredibly sad sad loss. What a guy. Always a smile on his face and always having a laugh. I will always remember him that. Sending you all so much love. I'm so so sorry. Xxx"

Adam Broadbent said: "Truly heartbreaking. Sending love to you and your family. Please take care of yourself. What a top lad he was, people will all remember him with that smile on his face."

Ben Hawley said: "So sorry to hear this Smeg mate what a friendly loving funny guy and I will always remember in that way. Sending love to you and all your family matey."

Adam Barnsley said: "I am devastated, love you Alex rest in peace." Kay Cherie said: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love and strength to the family. We really need a lot more help in this country for mental health especially for men."

Bev Lee said: "Absolutely heartbreaking news - RIP Alex xxx. Sending heaps of love and strength to family and friends at such a difficult time xx."

Hollie Cogill said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends. There needs to be more help out there for those who are dealing with mental health especially men."

Paul Daniels said: "So sad another young life gone too soon rip young man thoughts are with his family n friends at this time , not forgetting the person that found him they must be traumatised aswell please reach out and get help if you need to dont suffer in silence."

Chelsey Oates said: "God bless you Alex, I didn’t know you but I do hope wherever you are you are at peace. Thinking of your family and friends. Love and strength."

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