Bolton: Tributes to Craig Arron Hodkinson who died aged just 33

The family of Craig Arron Hodkinson, who grew up in Halliwell, have spoken of their love for him and their heartbreak after a body was found in the River Croal yesterday afternoon.

The 33-year-old, who attended Smithills School, had been reported missing and was last seen around Churchgate in Bolton on Wednesday, September 13.

Following the news, heartbroken friends and family have paid their respects to Craig, saying he was ‘taken too young and too soon’.  

His sister, Lisa Marie Hodkinson said: “He was a son, a brother and an uncle who was loved so much by all his family.

“He had many friends from all around Bolton.

“His friends, who were so close to him, will miss him so much, just as much as his family will.

“He was a brilliant lad who kept himself to himself.

“He just wanted to live, he was a Hodkinson through and through.

“He has gone too soon but now he is at peace, loving life, flying high above and looking down protecting us all.

“We love you so much.”

Craig’s family have set up a gofundme to help cover funeral costs at this ‘horrendous time’ to give him the ‘send-off he deserves’.

Any money left over will be donated to a local mental health charity.

Via Facebook, one of Craig's older sisters, Claire Hodkinson, also shared a tribute.

She said: “We have lost our brother Craig and I’m never going to see him again, absolutely heartbroken.

“No one wants their little brother at 33 to die. Horrible, horrible pain.

“A piece of my heart is gone forever, ripped out. I love you little bro.

“Everyone loved him, no one disliked him. He was a lovely lad and we are broken.”

Claire has also appealed for help to raise money for funeral costs in another heartfelt tribute via the gofundme site.

This reads: “As you all know my little brother Craig passed away aged 33. We are all absolutely heartbroken.

“My dad is already worrying about how we will pay to lay him to rest and he shouldn’t have to be worrying about that at this horrendous time and it breaks my heart even more.

“If anyone can spare any money we would as a family be very grateful to get my brother the send-off he deserves.

“Everyone loved Craig, he was a beautiful soul and he took a piece of our hearts when he chose to leave us. He had so much life to live, he was too young.

“I hope and pray you are at peace now Craig, I hope you are not in pain anymore.

“My parents lost their baby boy, two sisters lost a little brother and one sister lost a big brother who she absolutely adored.

“I can’t understand why this is happening again to our family after the loss of our cousin David.

“We have had too much loss and it’s hard to deal with, mental health is real.

“With my brother being missing for six days unfortunately the funeral needs to be arranged ASAP.

“If by the goodness of people's hearts, we have any money left over it will be donated to a local mental health charity.”

Detective Inspector Lee Gridley said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Hodkinson’s loved ones at this very difficult time, we would also like to thank members of the public who helped with our investigation by sharing our online appeals.”

If you're struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also find support on their website here (www.samaritans.org).