Officers with North Yorkshire Police searching for missing mother Victoria Taylor discovered a body in the River Derwent, close to where the nurse was last seen
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Police update as body recovered in search for missing Victoria Taylor
A close friend of missing mum Victoria Taylor shared her heartbreak after a body was found in the search for the nurse.
Charlotte Cundill expressed her sadness in a poignant Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon, moments after it was confirmed officers had discovered a body in the River Derwent near Malton, North Yorkshire.
Charlotte’s lengthy Facebook post, in the group which strangers had joined to organise searches for Victoria, known as Vixx, began with four particularly emotional words. She wrote: “Heartbroken is an understatement” beside an emoji of a broken heart.
The friend, who created the Facebook group, had regularly posted updates from the searches and other poignant thoughts and messages on the page. This one, though, has been liked by nearly 300 people.
Chrlotte’s post in full reads: “Heartbroken is an understatement. So unfortunately today we received the news that none of us were prepared for. I set this page up three weeks ago knowing how loved vixx truly is and knew how many people would want to help search for her. Never in a millions years did I think it would hit over 10k people following and supporting us in the search. Thank you so much for every bit of love and support that has been given to this lovely family.
“The GoFundMe was definitely spoken about but I wanted to save it incase this dreaded day really was around the corner so here it is (if it works, please tell me if you have any issues. It’s new to me) any donations help and again thank you all so much xxxx
“To my beautiful friend, amazing girlfriend, mum, sister, auntie and nurse. You were one of the most inspirational people I will ever have had the pleasure of knowing. Fly high beautiful and goodnight.”
Charlotte also gave a link to the GoFundMe page, designed to raise money to support Vixx’s immediate family, including her two-year-old daughter. More than £1,600 has been raised so far.
People have left further tributes to Vixx on the page, and in comments under Charlotte’s latest Facebook post. The mum was hailed as a woman who “made a real difference” to people.
One woman posted on social media that Victoria, a nurse, had helped her mum. She wrote: “You cared for so many people, like my mum and touched the lives of their families, like me.
“You made a real difference to people’s lives and your legacy will live on through the people you helped and everyone who knew you, especially your daughter. RIP.”
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Today we have recovered a body in connection with the search for missing 34-year-old Victoria Taylor.
“The police underwater search team made the discovery at 11.45am this morning in the River Derwent close to where Victoria’s belongings were recovered.
“Formal identification is yet to take place, but Victoria’s family have been informed of this development and understandably they are distressed by today’s news.
“Our specialist family liaison officers will continue to support them. Victoria who is from Norton near Malton was reported missing on Tuesday 01 October. Since the initial report was received, we have carried out extensive searches to try and locate Victoria.
“The scale of investigation undertaken by North Yorkshire Police has provided us with a detailed understanding of Victoria’s key movements within the time parameters of her disappearance.
“As part of our strategy, we issued multiple appeals to the public and media for information. I personally would like to thank the members of the public who responded and assisted us with our enquiries.
“The disappearance of Victoria has understandably had a wider impact on the communities of Malton and Norton. Those closest to Victoria have felt an enormous amount of heartache in the days after she went missing and have acknowledged how grateful they are for the overwhelming support from the community.
“Whilst today’s outcome is not what anyone would have wished for, Victoria’s family have asked me to say that they are devastated and would like some space to be able to process the news, and our thoughts remain with them at this time.”
