Body of missing former rugby league player Bryn Hargreaves found

The physique of former rugby league player Bryn Hargreaves has been found greater than a 12 months after he vanished within the United States, his household have confirmed.

The 37-year-old moved to the US about 10 years in the past and he was reported missing in January final 12 months after he didn’t flip up for work.

A significant police search in West Virginia drew a clean and in June his household revealed they’d employed a personal investigator to seek out him as a result of “the police over there aren’t doing anything”.

His older brother revealed in a submit on Facebook that his physique had been found.

Gareth Hargreaves wrote: “With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn.

He added that “we still do not know the cause of death or what actually happened” on January 3, 2022, when his brother vanished from his dwelling close to Morgantown in West Virginia.

“We would appreciate a little space and will keep you updated when we have any further information,” he added.

A Foreign Office spokesperson mentioned: “We are providing support to the family of a British national who died in the US and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Hargreaves performed in Super League for Wigan, St Helens and Bradford earlier than shifting to the States to work within the oil and fuel trade.

His former golf equipment led tributes to him on social media.

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens mentioned in a submit on the membership’s Twitter account: “On behalf of the club and from myself as a former team-mate of Bryn’s, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to Bryn’s family. It’s very sad news.

“I just want to place on record how much of a respected player and person Bryn was when he played here, how much of a well liked member of the team he was and how good he was to be around on and off the field.

“He was a fierce competitor and when I spoke to our team this morning I told them ‘Bryn’s the type of guy you guys would love to have played with’. It’s a huge loss and we’re all very saddened by it.”

Wigan Warriors had been “saddened to learn of the passing” of their former player, including: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Bradford Bulls wrote: “We are extremely saddened to learn the body of former player Bryn Hargreaves has been found.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Bryn’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Hargreaves performed for Wigan earlier than becoming a member of St Helens and he was within the staff that received the 2008 Challenge Cup at Wembley.

He later joined Bradford however give up the sport on the age of 26 when the Bulls went bust, and he moved to the US.

His household arrange a GoFundMe web page to lift funds for a personal detective, and his mom Maria and youthful brother David went to the States final 12 months to assist seek for him.

The PA information company has contacted Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office for remark.