Brother pays tribute to 21-year-old popular musician whose body was pulled from river in Leeds

The body of Finn Jones was tragically pulled from the River Aire in Leeds nine days after he went missing on July 4.

Checks on CCTV showed someone entering the River Aire near to Crown Point Bridge at about 6.30am on July 4, police said.

A long search operation ensued before the body was discovered and pulled from the river nine days later.

Now, in an emotional interview, Finn's brother Sam Jones, 24, told the Yorkshire Evening Post that 'a part of him has died' after losing his only sibling.

Finn, from West Sussex near Brighton, had been staying in Leeds with his girlfriend at the time he went missing.

The popular musician had busked in cities across the country and attended a music university in London.

Finn - who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder - was 'instantly memorable' according to Sam.

He told how Finn was obsessed with music - in particular the Beatles - and had thrived in recent years with charity gigs and promotional releases.

However, Sam said lockdown had been very tough for Finn.

He told the YEP: "Finn was staying in Leeds with his girlfriend.

"Because of the lockdown, he was not really able to check out Leeds fully.

"It was tough for him.

"He really loved his independence so it was a struggle with the lockdown.

"Finn was autistic and had been diagnosed as bipolar.

"He did not have many connections in Leeds as he had only been there for four months."

Sam said when he heard that his beloved brother had gone missing, he thought of coming to to Leeds to help the search.

However, Sam and family received the devastating call that his body had been found shortly after.

He said: "When we had not heard from him for a day it was very scary.

"We got the call [to say his body had been found] and it was heartbreaking.

"He was my only brother.

"My only sibling.

"A part of me died.

"I now have to adjust to a new alternate reality.

"It is so sad."

Finn had made many friends through his music and busking, Sam said.

A fundraiser has now been set up on GoFundMe in tribute to Finn and to raise money to support the family and funeral costs.

An incredible £9,000 has been raised in just a few days towards a target of £20,000.

Any excess funds will be donated to Mind charity - which Finn supported and was a huge advocate of.

Sam said: "The fundraiser is amazing.

"We have been absolutely blown away by the support.

"As well as the fundraiser towards funeral costs, the rest of the money will be used to support other families.

"Finn would have loved that.

"He was a big supporter of Mind charity and had done a gig for them in the past.

"We are so thankful to everybody."

To visit the GoFundMe fundraiser, click here.

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Thank you

Laura Collins