Missing Co Tyrone woman Lisa McGowan

THE body missing Lisa McGowan has been found, her family have confirmed.

The PSNI said officers are investigating circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the woman.

Within the last hour her have confirmed that the body found in Drumquin, Co Tyrone late on Sunday night is that of Lisa McGowan.

In a statement, the family said: “On behalf of family and friends, we would like to inform you that Lisa was found late last night.

“Sadly Lisa is no longer with us.

“Paddy and Lisa’s family want to thank everyone for their prayers and support.

“We have been overwhelmed by all the generosity and kindness given at this very difficult time.”

Searches were being carried out in the area since the disappearance of 44-year-old Lisa a fortnight ago.

She was last seen by her husband Paddy on the night of Monday, 9 July at their home in the Bradan area of Drumquin.

A senior lecturer at a Dublin university, he travelled to work the next morning – but was unable to contact his partner of over 15 years throughout the day.

Family, friends and Community Search and Rescue teams have searched tirelessly for the mother of two step-sons ever since.

On Sunday, her husband Paddy thanked the public who helped out carry extensive searches for her the previous day.

Following Saturday’s search, Paddy said: “We would like to thank all those very kind people who volunteered their time and energy yesterday to search for Lisa.

“There was nearly 200 people involved for Lisa, around 180 searching and transporting and twenty involved in gathering collecting and preparing food.

“We would like to thank the business’s who sponsored the signs, maps, food, radios, water,posters the air support from a local with his air craft.

“We searched very hard yesterday in extremely hot conditions. The terrain searched was at times very difficult, but unfortunately we did not have any luck in finding Lisa.

“I watched people going out on the search and watched them come back in tired and aching with tired legs, they worked so hard.

“The Police and the mountain rescue were also working hard at their search.

“The community search and rescue teams were also working away till very late last night.

“I am sorry I did not update the Facebook page last night but to be honest I just could not bring myself to do it.

“I had banked so much on yesterday being the day that we would find my beautiful best friend and soul mate, as had so many other people who arrived here yesterday.

“All our hearts are heavy and hurting. I am really missing her and am in so much pain. I will try and keep you all up to date on the progress of the search for Lisa.

Heartbroken Paddy McGowan wife his beautiful wife Lisa

“Once again I thank you all for the very kind help and support you have given to the family and friends. The locals and neighbours what can I say once again when needed you were there and thanks.

Mr McGowan said that he first became worried on Tuesday when he could not contact her, adding that the pair normally chat several times a day.

“Because of the beautiful day, I thought she was out with the dogs,” he said.

He asked neighbours to check the house, but his partner of 18 years was nowhere to be found.

“This is totally out of character,” he said.

Mr McGowan said that worried friends and family are in the process of putting up missing person posters in counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, Derry, Donegal and Sligo.

“We’re asking people along the way if they’ve seen Lisa,” he added. “We’ve exhausted the local area.”

The PSNI, Mountain Rescue and Community Search and Rescue had also been searching for Mrs McGowan.

Police requested that farmers and the local community check any outbuildings or sheds for any trace of the missing woman.

Mrs McGowan, who has two grown-up stepsons, is described as 6ft tall, slim to medium build, auburn short hair and wears glasses, which are red and silver.

She may have been wearing a light green hoody-type top.