Following the finding of a body, emotional tributes have been given to a 26-year-old man who has been missing from Doncaster.
Scott Whittaker was last seen in the Kirk Bramwith neighbourhood, close to the River Dun Navigation Canal. He has not been seen since last Thursday.
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Police blocked off a portion of the canal last night, and emergency personnel were present.
Although the death has not yet been formally confirmed by the police, Mr. Whittaker has been receiving social media condolences since his discovery last night.
“I don’t know how to start this or say what I need to,” says one internet message. We have shared Scott’s posts widely, and the outpouring of sympathy and assistance in his search for him has been incredible.
“We were expecting and praying for a nice update for the next one. However, Scott has been located and is no longer alive.
“This doesn’t feel real, and our hearts are broken.” Today, we lost a buddy, brother, nephew, grandson, and son. His light will be much missed in this world since he was unique.
The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who wished them well, shared Scott’s posts, and helped with the search. I sincerely hope Scott could have witnessed the support and love from the community; he is and always will be greatly mourned and adored.
“You’ll always be a valued friend Scott, and your memory will be cherished,” wrote a different buddy on Facebook. I’m grateful for the most amazing, crazy, and humorous evenings. I appreciate you being who you are. Peace be with you, brother.
“Rest in peace, Scott Whittaker. I just spoke to you last week, brother. I’m absolutely devastated,” another friend posted. Brother, rest well; you’re finally at peace.
Another said, “I really can’t believe this, you will be sorely missed and you have left a huge hole in everyone’s hearts that you knew.”
“May Scott, one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met, rest in peace. He was the life and spirit of any room he entered! Another friend wrote, “Sleep tight.”
“Rest in peace, Scott Whittaker,” someone else said. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet will always make you smile. I love you, buddy. Thanks for all the memories.
“Fly high, gone but never forgotten.”
“Rest in peace, Scott, my brother. The memories we shared will last a lifetime. You always brightened the room,” another person commented.
I shall always remember you, my friend.
“Scott I will miss you, buddy, another friend wrote. “Son, if you could only see how loved you are.” Farewell, my friend. On our birthdays every year, I’ll drink a beer for you.
Since late Thursday night, Mr. Whittaker’s whereabouts have been the subject of multiple social media posts and requests from family and friends.
His previous location, the canal between Barnby Dun and Kirk Bramwith and South Bramwith, had been the focus of most searches.
Several witnesses reported seeing a large number of emergency personnel at the site near Bramwith Lock last night.
For further information, we have contacted the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, South Yorkshire Police, and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
