Grief over tragic loss of ‘the love of my life’

The family of the “gentle” 22-year-old, were informed this weekend that police had found a body in the River Foss, York.

The former York St John University student has not been seen since leaving Fibbers nightclub in the early hours of Sunday ,March 2.

The tragic news comes hot on the heels of student Megan Roberts, 20, whose body was found in the nearby River Ouse the same weekend as Ben’s disappearance.

Rachel Peatfield, 22, who has been with Ben since they were just 11, said: “Ben was a wonderful character who was so kind and gentle and brought joy to many people’s lives and touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“I am truly heartbroken that I have lost the love of my life and I will treasure the fond memories we have made over the past 11 years dearly.

“Ben was an amazing partner, son, grandson, brother and uncle and no one will ever replace him.

“On behalf of myself and Ben’s family we would like to thank the public and media for their on going support in our search for Ben.

“Unfortunately, this has come to a tragic end which we all are struggling to deal with so we would appreciate some privacy and respect at this difficult time.”

Ben was last seen walking home from the nightclub at 3.40am. He never arrived to the music shop where he was supposed to be working the next day. Friends launched a leaflet campaign and a Twitter account to publicise his disappearance.

Police have yet to formally identify the body.