Further tributes have been paid to Yorkshire man Kyle Sambrook following the discovery of his body in a deep gorge in Glencoe, Scotland.
Kyle, 33, and his beagle dog Bane were found by search teams on Saturday in a gorge above the Fionn Ghleann in the Glencoe area, according to mountain search teams. Kyle had been last seen on Sunday, February 19, and was the subject of a huge search operation.
Kyle, from Featherstone, West Yorkshire, has been described as a talented footballer and is a former player at Featherstone Colliery FC. The team issued a statement that said: "It is with great sadness to hear the news of ex Colls player Kyle Sambrook’s passing.
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"You couldn’t have wished to meet a nicer bloke and over the course of two seasons Kyle managed 48 goals in just 37 appearances. We send our condolences, thoughts and prayers to all Kyle’s friends and family."
One friend described Kyle an "absolute top lad and awesome footballer."
Colan Leung, a friend of Kyle's from Featherstone, thanked the search party for their determination to find his friend.
Colan said: "These last few days have been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically, mentally and emotionally all rolled into one, it all still feels like a nightmare and doesn’t feel real one bit.
"What Kyle’s family have had to go through is something no one should ever have to. Watching his loved ones searching day and night was heartbreaking and painful to watch. But they never gave up hope. None of us gave up hope and we couldn’t have done anymore."
Colan thanked the rescue team saying: "They were determined to find them both. Forever grateful that they never gave up hope and stuck to their guns.
"I don’t really have the words. I’m absolutely heartbroken to have lost not one, but two friends in both Kyle and Bane. I feel numb. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt after these last few days in Scotland, it’s just tell your friends and family how much you love them. Spend the time with them. Life is mental, you just don’t think this will happen to you.
"My thoughts are with all the Sambrook family and those closest to him. Fly high up there my mate. I hope you’re on a new adventure together with your best mate. You both might be gone but you’ll both never be forgotten."
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team said: "Yesterday afternoon, volunteer rescuers searching for Kyle Sambrook found the bodies of a man and a dog in a deep gorge above the Fionn Ghleann.
"An attempt was made to recover them by helicopter but was unsuccessful due to the terrain, the helicopter was then re-tasked meaning they had to be lowered and carried off the hill by hand.
"GMR were joined by Tweed Valley MRT and Oban MRT in a long operation bringing the two down."
The team thanked those who had been involved in the search.
"Also thank you for the great response from the hill going public to the requests for information.
"Our thoughts are with Kyle's family and friends at this time."
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