Heartbroken family breaks silence after Brit dad found dead in Benidorm

John George failed to return home for Christmas (Image: Kennedy News)

The devastated sister of a missing father in Benidorm has said her “heart is broken” after a body was found by police.

John George, also known as John Hardy, went missing on December 18 after failing to catch his flight home to spend Christmas with his two sons, aged 6 and 13.

Courtney George, his sister, led efforts to locate her 37-year-old brother, setting up a GoFundMe campaign to help the family travel to Alicante, Spain, where John had been on holiday.

The family’s solicitor, KRW Law, confirmed that the search ended on January 7, when police informed John’s father, Billy George, that a body believed to be his son’s had been discovered. 

A murder investigation has now been launched, Sky News .

Kevin Winters of KRW Law added: “We can confirm the father of Mr. George contacted us today shortly after 5pm [Jan 7] to confirm Spanish police told him they had recovered his son’s remains.

“Mr. Billy George was told that his son’s body was now in a morgue awaiting formal identification.

“The family are both distressed but also relieved at this latest news. It brings to an end an extremely tortuous search process for the body.”

Spanish police sources claim an arrest has been made after a body thought to be that of missing John, 37, was found on the Costa Blanca.

That evening, Courtney changed her profile picture to one of herself with John, adding the caption: “I love you forever and always.”

She also thanked well-wishers, saying: “I don’t mean to be rude. I will get back to everyone soon. Right now I’m processing what’s going on. My body is numb and my heart is broken.”

Family picture with two men and women

John George pictured on the right with his siblings (Image: PA Media)

Mr Hardy pictured at a wedding

Mr George pictured at a wedding (Image: The Independent/family photo )

Before Christmas, Courtney had spoken about her close bond with John and her growing fears over his disappearance.

Courtney, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, said: “My brother would never go two days without speaking to me.

“I haven’t eaten in five days and have been physically sick because it’s been nine days without contact.

“He was meant to be coming to my house for Christmas dinner and we had our plans made.

Courtney’s GoFundMe campaign raised over £26,000 to assist with the search efforts.

John’s brother, Darren George, also described him as a “happy-go-lucky guy” who “had his troubles with drug addiction that took over his life.”

Despite his issues, Darren said his brother would “never have missed Christmas with his boys”.

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