The family of a missing university student have spoken of their utter devastation after police recovered a body from the water in Lincoln.
Heartbreak After Disappearance
Connor Calleja, aged 20, vanished in the early hours of Sunday, 11th January. His family said he had been out celebrating a friend's birthday but was denied entry to a nightclub. He was last seen near University Bridge in Lincoln at around 1.50am.
His mother, Lisa, and stepfather, John Lewis, travelled to the city to lead the desperate search. In an emotional plea shared on social media, they begged Connor to come home, assuring him he was in no trouble and that they had transferred money into his account.
The Tragic Discovery
On Tuesday, Lincolnshire Police announced that a body had been discovered in Brayford Pool. Although formal identification is pending, officers believe it to be Connor. They stated there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
In a tearful video posted on Wednesday, stepfather John Lewis fought back tears as he thanked the people of Lincoln for their support during the search. "Although we are beyond devastated at this heartbreaking time we have all said that you have all been amazing," he said.
He added a poignant message: "Today, please hold your loved ones that little bit longer and remember how lucky you are. We will never stop loving you Connor. You are our world."
Community in Mourning
The University of Lincoln released a statement describing Connor as a "much-loved member of our community". The university acknowledged the shock and sadness felt by staff and students and said it was considering how to pay its respects.
The Students' Union also expressed being "deeply saddened" and urged any students struggling with the news to seek support. Police have asked the public and media to respect the family's privacy during this profoundly difficult time.
John Lewis recounted that Connor was not intoxicated when he was turned away from the nightclub, but was given a bottle of water and told to return later. After being refused entry again, he walked away. He was captured on CCTV near canal boats at approximately 2.10am, not long after his last confirmed sighting.
