‘Love you forever’: Daniel Halliday’s parents lead tributes to son on Crosby beach

Tributes have been left on Crosby beach for 14-year-old Daniel Halliday after the missing teenager’s body was found in the Mersey.

Daniel went missing on Sunday, June 30, after going into the water at Crosby Beach. Daniel was surf jumping with his older brother before getting into trouble. A large wave reportedly swept them off their feet, and although Daniel’s brother tried desperately to save him, he was unable to reach him.

On the evening of 8 July, the body of a young boy was discovered by HM Coastguard in the river at New Brighton. At the time, eyewitnesses reported seeing a large emergency services presence in New Brighton, including police, the RNLI and HM Coastguard.

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In an earlier statement, a Merseyside Police spokesperson said the body had not yet been formally identified, but officers remained in contact with Daniel’s family. Following extensive forensic examinations, Merseyside Police today confirmed the boy had been formally identified as Daniel Halliday.

At Crosby Beach, near the radar tower where Daniel was taken, tributes and flowers have been left for the teenager. One balloon reads: “Miss you son, love you forever. Love, Mom, Dad and brothers.” Other heartfelt messages have also been tied to the railings, including blue balloons, flowers and a teddy bear.

Daniel’s family previously released a heartbreaking statement in tribute to him. It read: “Our greatest fear is that this tragic accident has taken our lovely boy from us. Daniel was jumping waves with his older brother who tried to save him, but the current was too strong. Daniel is a loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson. The entire family is devastated and we hope that we are allowed our privacy at this time. Thank you.”

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that the body of a man found in the River Mersey is that of missing 14-year-old Daniel Halliday. Officers received a report that the body of a young boy had been found by Her Majesty’s Coastguard on the evening of Monday, July 8, in the river at New Brighton. Following extensive forensic examinations by Merseyside Police, the boy has been formally identified as Daniel Halliday. Daniel was reported to have jumped waves at Crosby at 7pm on Sunday, June 30, before getting into difficulty.

“Officers are supporting his family at this difficult time. His death is being treated as non-suspicious and the case has been referred to the coroner.”

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