English football pay tribute after a body is found in the search for 18 year old Birmingham City fan Paul Pike this week.
Paul Pike went missing on the 21st of March after attending Birmingham’s match against Derby County at Pride Park, and had been last seen on CCTV leaving the ground just 13 minutes after kick-off.
He walked along the riverside near Millennium Way, and now it has sadly been confirmed that a body was discovered on Sunday morning (around 10:30am) near the same location.
Police believe it is Paul, though formal identification is pending. His family has been informed, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Joanne Wallis posted via Facebook: “I’m here now with his brother Andrew and he’s aware this on here now xxxxxxx
“Since Tuesday, so many of us have been out searching for Paul, 18, from Birmingham after he went missing following the Derby game. We walked for miles, checked everywhere we could, shared posts endlessly and held onto hope with everything we had.
“We prayed for a miracle. We truly believed we would find him and bring him home safely.
“Sadly, Paul has now been found, and this is not the outcome any of us were hoping for.
“I promised his mum that we would bring her boy home. Writing this breaks me, because this is not how any of us wanted that promise to be kept. My heart is absolutely shattered for her and for all of Paul’s family. No words will ever be enough for this kind of pain.
“I want to thank every single person who came out to help, who searched, who shared, who supported. You showed what real community looks like. You gave your time, your energy, and your hearts for a family you may not have even known.
“Please, right now, the most important thing is to respect Paul’s family and give them the privacy and space they need as they face the most heartbreaking time of their lives.
“Hold your loved ones a little tighter tonight.
“Rest peacefully, Paul. You were so loved.
“I will be at travel lodge on Tuesday at 11:30 to lay flowers for Paul, please let me know if you would like to meet xxxxxx
“I want to get a clap going on the 18th minute for Paul at the Derby game on bank holiday Monday!!! I will be bringing Andrew with me, please share this post xxxxx”
A force spokesperson said: “A body, believed to be that of missing Birmingham City fan Paul, has been found.
“Officers searching the River Derwent near Pride Park, close to where Paul was last seen, discovered the body just before 10.30am today.
“While formal identification has not yet taken place, Paul’s family have been made aware, and they have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and there is not believed to be any third-party involvement.
“A large number of people, from both the local area and Paul’s home city of Birmingham, have been searching the area in previous days and we would like to pass on our thanks for their support during the search.
“A file is now being prepared for the coroner.”
English football pay tribute after a body is found in the search for the 18 year old Birmingham City fan…
@RWA1TEY: Some things are bigger than football. My thoughts are with his family and friends. No person should attend a football match and not make it home. May he rest peacefully. #KRO #BCFC
@YouBearsssssss: Absolutely heartbreaking 😪💔 The News we all feared but prayed wasnt true!! Thank you to all #DCFC Fans who gave up their time to search for him…you are proper Heroes 🙏 RIP Paul Pike forever one of our own!! 💙 #BCFC
@anglowelshvilla: News like this puts rivalries aside. Really sad news that no one wanted to hear. R.I.P young man #BCFC #AVFC
@MRMCB20: Tragic news about young Blues fan Paul Pike. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Massive respect to Derby County fans for their incredible support this week — helping police on the ground and searching tirelessly. RIP Paul. From the whole football family. 💙
@NFFCmatthew: R.I.P. Paul Pike. Doesn’t matter what you team support. He’s gone to a game and unfortunately not made it home. ❤️ Keep Right On ❤️
@EddieNeddie1: Awful honestly awful my thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones. 18 Years old no age at all. RIP Paul Keep Right On ❤️
@JK_dcfc: Absolutely horrific. No one should go to a football game and not come home, thoughts with all his family, friends and all at blues 😢
@kpvilla: Rest in Peace!! Very sad way too young! KRO!! 💜
@SgGoodman: If it is confirmed that it is paul the young Birmingham City fan R.I.P YOUNG MAN, no one should go to any sporting event and not make it back home safe, I am a Sheffield United supporter and I am sending my condolences to his family and friends
@Villamad5: This is just so incredibly sad. RIP. 🙏 #footballfamily
@ashddsw: Two very sad pieces of news coming out of the city this weekend. Condolences to the friends, family and everyone affected. RIP 🕊️ #dcfc #bcfc
@johndigspade: This is terrible news, thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. May you rest in peace now young man 😔💙 Also thankyou to the derby community for your time and effort with the searches.
@millwall_tina: Extremely upset to hear this. I send my love and condolences to Paul’s family and friends. Heartbreaking news. 💔
@FlossyMcphee: Sending love and condolences to his loved ones and friends 💔
@IzzyJon67069546: I’m so sorry nobody should go to watch a football match and not return home. RIP Paul thinking of you and your family 💔
@jackbeeton2002: So so sad rip paul ❤️
@smallheathan: It just had to be the ending we all felt. Such a sad sad situation. Another Bluenose gets to perch on the main stand. RIP young man. You had so much to look forward to 😢😢💙💙
@nig46546: Deepest condolences to his family friends and everyone at Birmingham city fc may he rest in peace 💙💙💙🙏