A body found in the sea off Workington has been confirmed as being missing man Nicholas Degraff.
The 23-year-old went missing on December 12 while returning home from Great Clifton.
He was due to arrive in Workington, but did not arrive and his dog Leia was found later that day by the River Derwent.
Since the alarm was raised, emergency services and the community have been out looking for the 23-year-old.
An appeal was launched to help fund the private dive team to help search for Nicholas in the River Derwent. A dive team gave their time for free to help with the search and told the family they were 99 per cent certain Nicholas was not there.
Last Friday, a body was found in the harbour basin of the Port of Workington.
Nicholas’ family said at the time they believed it would be two weeks before a formal identification would be made.
However, today, his sister Charlotte has posted on Facebook: “With heavy hearts, today we can confirm that our Nicholas DeGraff tragically passed away on the 12th December 2021.
“Forty-one long days he was missing and with nothing short of a miracle he was found on the 21st January 2022.
“Anyone that knew Nic, knows he was one in a million and our hearts are absolutely broken.
“Thank you for absolutely every single person that in some way helped us get him home, it really means the world and he would be amazed by the love and support.
“We would ask that everyone please give us space for now. RIP my brother, I am beyond privileged to be your sister and treasure 23 years of memories with you. I will love you forever and always.”
A statement released by Cumbria police said: “The body of a man found in the water at Workington Port on January 21 has been formally identified as Nicholas Degraff, 23, of Oxford Street, Workington.
“The circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.
“A file has been prepared for the coroner.”
