"He was one of a kind" - Family and girlfriend of Ky Parker pay tribute after body found in search for missing Sunderland man

Ky-Adam Parker, known as Ky, 37, was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday, May 23 after leaving an address in the Bede Street area of the city about 1am.

A search was immediately launched and police established his likely route on the morning in question, with a man matching his description spotted walking along the riverside path past the National Glass Centre towards Wearmouth Bridge.

Enquiries to trace Ky had focused around that location but last night, Monday, June 7, a body was discovered in the River Wear.

His heart-broken family have now paid tribute to the ‘well-loved’ father.

Ky’s girlfriend Charley Louise Smith said: “Ky was a funny, loud, big character that will be missed by so many.

"He was one of a kind and I don't think I will ever have the pleasure of meeting anyone else quite like him.”

Charley had arranged searches in the hope of finding Ky and said she wanted to thank everyone who helped.

She said: "The way the community came together to help me and his family was heartwarming.”

Ky was a huge Dr Who fan and had a distinctive tardis tattoo on his hand.

Charley referenced the show and said: "Love you always Ky. To quote Dr Who, ‘This song is ending but the story never ends’.”

Following his disappearance, Ky’s family had been appealing for information on social media.

His mam Julie Parker from Wallsend, where Ky is originally from said: “We all think the world of him and everyone is still in shock but we’re pleased we’ve finally got him back.

"There’s a massive hole left in our family but we all loved him and he loved us – He was a very popular person and will be terribly missed by so many.”

Huge search parties were also set up to find the father who has been described as ‘a great singer’.

Julie added: “He even fancied himself as a model when he was younger and he used to sing with his dad – I’ll miss him so much.”

There is not believed to be any third party involvement in the death and a report will be made for the coroner.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.