The body of missing father-of-two Mark Tohill has been found in Co Derry during a search
THE body of a missing father of young girls man has been discovered during a search in Co Derry.
Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Mark Tohill.
The body was found in the Moneygran Road area of Kilrea on Friday night.
Police had issued an appeal for Mr Tohill’s whereabouts on Friday as there was growing concern as to the whereabouts of the 42-year-old man.
His wife Stephanie had also issued an appeal on Facebook on Friday to help try and trace him.
Mr Tohill was last seen in the Carmoney Road area in Glengormley at around 10.15 am on 13 August.
He was believed to have going to the Co-Op convenience store at Beverley Shops.
During searches late on Friday evening, a body was located in dense undergrowth in a heavily wooded area near the River Bann in Kilrea.
After a ‘difficult recovery phase’ which carried on until the early hours of Saturday morning, all search and rescue teams stood down.
The extensive search was carried out by Community Rescue Service (CRS) teams in the area after sightings of Mr Tohill were reported in Kilrea around 1.30pm.
Specialist teams from CRS were deployed, both on land and on water, to conduct the search, which extended over five square miles.
Members of the Tohill family visited the area to offer assistance and support to the teams, while local farmers and residents also assisted.
A family friend, Lynn Benedict, has set up a Gofundme page to help support the family.
On it, she wrote: “I’m sorry to report that my best friend/ “sister” Stephanie has lost her beloved husband Mark tragically and unexpectedly.
“Losing someone suddenly is a huge expense.
“I am asking that we all choose a donation in any amount to not only help Stephanie lay her husband to rest but help in supporting their two girls.
“In a time where their lives are upside down and nothing seems right we can band together and show her the love from “Home”.”
The PSNI have said enquiries are continuing and a post mortem will be carried out within the next few days.
Mr Tohill’s wife Stephanie took to social media on Saturday morning to express her grief, saying: “My baby is gone. The love of my life is gone.”
A fun has now been set up to help support his family and young children.
