A YOUNG man found dead in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been described as ‘a loving, kind and hardworking lad’.


Shaun Rigby, 21, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday.

He had failed to return home from a night out in Blackburn town centre.


It is understood his death was a tragic accident.


Police issued a missing person’s appeal after Mr Rigby’s family grew concerned for his safety.

MORE TOP STORIES:


At around 4.45pm on Wednesday, officers received a call from a passer-by reporting a body in the canal in Blackburn.


Officers recovered a body close to Eanam Wharf Business Centre and it was formally identified as that of the former Our Lady and St John’s Catholic College pupil.


Mr Rigby lived with his mother Donna and his 16-year-old brother Darren in North Road, Whitebirk, Blackburn.


Last night his family paid tribute to their ‘gentle soul’.


Mr Rigby’s aunt Lorraine Howarth, 48, Donna’s older sister, said: “All of our family are completely devastated.

"He was much-loved and held in high affection by all his family and friends. He was a genuine lad, loving, kind and hardworking.


“Shaun was a home bird and a gentle soul, who was interested in technology, the latest gadget and computers. He also loved music and wouldn’t hurt a fly.


“He’d only go out into town about once a month after he’d been paid.


“He had many friends and enjoyed watching sport especially football, showing an interest in both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United.


“On our side of the family Shaun had six cousins who all thought the world of him.


“They are sticking together and supporting each other as best they can, as is the rest of our family.


“We don’t know about the circumstances of his death but we think he may have decided to walk home along the canal after having a drink in town.

We’ve heard that he was last seen on Darwen Street in the early hours of Saturday.”


Mr Rigby worked at B&M Bargains, close to his home in Whitebirk.

Colleague, Lynn Carter, said: “He was one of those lads that would do anything for anyone and he was always smiling.


“I can’t remember him ever being off work and he’s been with us since we opened last October.


“We’ve lost a valued member of staff.” 


Many of Mr Rigby’s family and friends also took to Facebook to pay tribute.
Katie Gibson said: “R.I.P Shaun Rigby. You will be missed. Work won’t be the same without you.”


Jan Dawn said: “My friend Shaun-bean may you rest in peace. You were a great lad with a heart of gold. Work won’t be the same.”


Michaela Duffy said: “Absolutely devastating news, I can’t believe it. RIP Shaun I will miss you so much. You were a cracking lad, we had some fab times with you and you had a heart of gold.”


Police said Mr Rigby’s death was not being treated as suspicious and a file would be passed to the coroner in due course.