A body found by police in Salford last weekend has been confirmed as 'vulnerable' missing man Andrew Heys. Andrew, whose age has not been disclosed, was reported missing after he was last seen by his mum going to bed at home on March 11.
Andrew, who lived in Eccles, had last been seen on Barton Lane in the early hours of the morning on March 12. He was a high risk missing person due to being diagnosed with Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in 2021, a condition that left him paralysed and meant he needed to learn to walk and talk again.
A major police search was launched to try and find him, with multiple appeals issued by Greater Manchester Police following his disappearance. The search ended in tragedy on March 16, when officers discovered a body.
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Greater Manchester Police said the body was recovered in the Barton Bridge area of Salford, following a search of the surrounding area. Andrew's family were updated with the news.
Formal identification was to take place, and it has since been confirmed to have been Andrew. Bolton Coroner's Office has also confirmed to the M.E.N that Andrew's death has been referred to them, and an inquest will open in due course. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Detective Inspector Mike Sharples from GMP Salford previously said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Andrew’s family and friends at this time.
“Officers and specialist resources have been working around the clock and through the night to find Andrew since he was first reported missing to us, and I would like to thank members of the public who shared our appeals and assisted with our investigation.
“Our priority now is to make sure we can do everything possible to support the family and get the necessary answers for his loved ones, but I would ask that the family are given privacy during this time.”
Andrew had been working as an engineer on the Co-Op Live Arena when the debilitating condition left him paralysed, meaning he had to learn to walk and talk again. He had lived in Manchester since attending university, and volunteered at the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre, Eccles New Road, to "give back to those who helped him" after his diagnosis.
His mum Jeanette told the Manchester Evening News that Andrew would "always willing to help others" and that he was "friendly and approachable" as his closest friends said he was "the funniest guy in the group" who was "very kind and intelligent".
