Tribute to 'incredibly kind' son after body found

A family have shared a tribute to their "incredibly kind" son after his body was found following extensive searches for a missing student in Lincoln.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lincolnshire Police said they had discovered a body during a search of Foss Bank - a body of water close to Brayford Pool. It is now confirmed to be 20-year-old Connor James Calleja.

An appeal was launched on Monday after he was last seen at 02:09 GMT on Sunday near Court 1 on the University of Lincoln campus before he disappeared.

His family said: "He was everything to us - our baby and our world. We couldn't have asked for a better son."

Connor, from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, had been studying architecture at the University of Lincoln and was "hardworking and determined, always achieving great grades throughout school and university," his family said.

Connor aspired to design his own house and had dreamed of starting his own company. He was well-travelled, having visited countries including Australia with his family.

"He was very well thought of, and his friends, family, teachers, and lecturers always spoke so highly of him," they added.

His interests included football, he was a Chelsea fan, and he played the piano and taught himself to play the guitar.

"He enjoyed routines and had started batch cooking his meals. He even joked about eating straight from the saucepan to avoid washing up," his family said.

Connor loved a Sunday roast, always with cheese sauce which was a family joke, and wrote thoughtful, heartfelt cards for birthdays and Christmas, his family said.

"He loved university and was excited to return after Christmas, especially looking forward to going on a night out to celebrate his friend's birthday," they added.

His family said he was "always a joy to be around" and "loved his family deeply", speaking to them every day.

"Even when he went to university, he kept his close bond with his mum.

"He was genuinely happy with where his life was, and that brings us comfort," they said.

Connor "adored his friends and was fiercely loyal" and "didn't have a bad bone in his body".

"Losing him has left us completely lost, but we take comfort in knowing he was happy and loved by all those around him.

"We are so incredibly proud of him and that will stay with us forever."

Ending the tribute, the family said: "I love you more. No, I love you most."

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