Missing Megan confirmed dead after police identify body found in river

The 20-year-old from Wetherby was reported missing on January 27 and was last seen leaving Popworld in York at around 2am on January 23 during a night out with friends.

Police said last month that the most likely scenario is that the York St John University student fell in the River Ouse while “affected by alcohol”.

And after yesterday finding a woman’s body in the River Ouse, five miles from the site of the original disappearance, officers today identified it as being Megan.

They were called at 3.27pm to the River Ouse at Acaster Malbis after a call from a member of the public who was walking in the area.

Superintendent Phil Cain, Safer Neighbourhood Commander for York, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Megan’s family at this extremely difficult and very sad time.

“Her family are receiving support from specially trained officers as they come to terms with what has happened.

“This tragedy has touched many people including Megan’s friends, fellow students at York St John University and the people of York and we extend our sympathies to them at this time.

“I hope that a small measure of comfort can be taken from the fact that Megan has now been found, albeit in the most tragic of circumstances, putting an end to the uncertainty about where she is and allowing her family and friends to grieve properly for her.

“I would like to thank the Missing People charity for their invaluable help and support during the investigation, and to members of the public and the residents of York who have phoned into the enquiry with information, their support is greatly appreciated.”

Megan’s mother, Jackie Roberts said: “We would like to thank the police, fire service, and the public that have been involved in the search for Megan. We would also like to thank everyone who has offered support and comfort during this painful time.

“Megan was an intelligent, talented and beautiful person whose kindness and sense of humour will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.”

In a separate statement Megan’s father, Jason Roberts said: “We would like to thank the police, fire service and the public who have been involved in the search for Megan.

“Megan was a wonderful, kind and loving daughter who will be missed by many.”

Last month Megan’s mother Jackie wrote on Facebook that “all evidence does point towards this being a tragic run of events with no one to blame”.

Megan was last seen on CCTV on the corner of Rougier Street and Lendal Bridge at around 2.20am on January 23. Officers have since been search the River Ouse and the surrounding area.