Mourners gather to say final farewell to much-loved Sunderland dad Ky Parker

Mourners turned out on Wednesday, June 23 to gather outside Tynemouth Crematorium to pay tribute to Sunderland dad Ky Parker after his body was sadly found in the River Wear following his disappearance.

A service for his family and close friends was held inside the crematorium as crowds listened to the ceremony via speakers outside the venue.

People united to mourn and pay respects by laying flowers and messages in honour of Ky.

Family and friends led the funeral procession as Ky was taken into the crematorium with yellow sunflowers.

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, Monday, June 7, a body was discovered in the River Wear.

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

Following his disappearance, Ky’s family had been appealing for information on social media and huge search parties were launched to find the father who has been described as ‘a great singer’.

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.”

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.”

On Tuesday June 15, Sunderland’s senior coroner Derek Winter opened an inquest into Ky’s death at a short hearing at Sunderland Civic Centre.

Mr Winter confirmed further inquiries were required and adjourned the hearing until the provisional date of Wednesday, July 21.

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