WEST Merica Police says a body found in the river Wye in Herefordshire is that of missing woman Janet Edwards.
Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the river at Netherton, near Brampton Abbotts, Ross-on-Wye, on Thursday morning to reports of a body in the water.
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- Book of condolence: Pay your tributes to ex-nurse Janet Edwards
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And three months after she went missing, West Mercia Police confirmed the 66-year-old's body had been found.
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Formal identification has taken place and her next of kin have been informed, officers said.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Whitworth said: "We know there has been a huge amount of hope in finding Janet safe and well, and we are deeply saddened by this outcome.
"I would like to express my thanks to the community for all of their support with our search for Janet over the past three months.
"Our thoughts go out to Janet's family and friends as this very difficult time."
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Her family have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.
After launching a huge appeal for information about Ms Edwards' whereabouts, officers said she was seen in Dunelm, Holmer Road, on the morning she went missing.
Later that day, she was seen at around 3pm in the Alyestone Hill, Venns Lane and Commercial Road area of the city.
Since then, officers from West Mercia Police had been conducting enquiries and carrying out searches using specially trained officers, police dogs and volunteer rescue groups.
Friends of Ms Edwards from Wye Valley Runners had also been involved in the search, with friends talking about how nice a person the former NHS nurse was, previously working at Kingstone Surgery.
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Nikki Tyler, a friend of Ms Edwards and a member of Wye Valley Runners, said in December that clubs had pulled together as a community.
She added: "Jan was a very happy bubbly character. I was with her the day before she went missing and she was planning ahead, planning to race, looking forward to Christmas with her family."
In an appeal in January, Ms Edwards' family said Christmas without her was painfully sad.
They added: ""We are infinitely grateful for the support of Jan's friends, and the community, the volunteers, and the emergency services.
"Everyone involved has worked tirelessly to look for Jan."
Community answers
Pay your tribute to former Hereford nurse Janet Edwards
"Contribute to this online book of condolence after the sad death of Hereford woman Janet Edwards, a former nurse at NHS surgeries"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Share your tribute hereA dedicated professional with excellent people skills. Jan always made you feel cared for and considered. A sad loss. RIP lovely lady.
Share your tribute hereJan was a very good friend to me often given me dinner when we had been out walking also looking after my health like taking my shoes off in a pub to check my foot I will miss her
Share your tribute hereMy dearest Jan, So sorry to read this sad news , RIP and sending my condolences to your family xx
Share your tribute hereSo very sad to hear this news. Remembering all the good times working together at Kingston’s Surgery and all the support you gave me . Thoughts are with your family . RIP. Ann Ellis
Share your tribute hereSaddened to hear this. I knew Jan professionally as a fellow practice nurse in Herefordshire. She was a tribute to the nursing profession. Sending my condolences to her family and friends.
Share your tribute hereSo sad to hear of Jans passing fond memories of her at the Bullring, Kingstone. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
Share your tribute hereAs a former fellow practice nurse, I met and chatted with Jan frequently. I am so shocked and saddened by her disappearance and death. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Share your tribute hereLovely, kind lady. Such sad news.
Share your tribute hereI only knew Jan from running. I'd wish her good morning as she came past me at Parkrun and I'd try to stay with her for a while but she was too fast for me. Such an inspirational lady for myself and many others for sure. Rest in peace, Jan x
Share your tribute hereYou will be sorely missed, my lovely. Myself and Colin have so many memories of our time back in the days of rafting; many, many times doing the 100-mile, mixed and ladies raft races. Spent many hours doing gym and circuit training. We also had so many good times in that pub. Jan, you were one strong beautiful lady inside and out. RIP Jan xx
Share your tribute hereI knew Jan from Kingstone Surgery. She always greeted you with a smile and made you feel like you were the only patient she was seeing. Will miss you, Jan . My thoughts are with her family at this sad time . RIP Jan
Share your tribute hereSo, so sorry to hear this devastating news. My heart goes out to your loving family and friends. I worked with you at Kingstone Surgery and always found you friendly and helpful, but above all professional. May you rest in peace, Jan x
Share your tribute hereWe didn't know you, Jan, but think those that had that privilege were very blessed! Our prayers and thoughts were with you until the end, and very much for a different outcome. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with your family and friends who will be missing you greatly. From everything we read you were a well loved and respected lady. May you now rest in peace for all eternity. God bless, you lovely lady.
Share your tribute hereJan was a good friend when I lived in Hereford. We met through her NHS employment and then ran together with Wye Valley Runners. We always shared a laugh and kept in touch over the years. I know she developed her running to a good level and she enjoyed it too. So sad to hear the news and I send my condolences to her family. RIP
Share your tribute hereOh, dear Jan. I prayed and prayed you would be found safe and sound, but this was not to be. This is incredibly sad news to hear. I was your last patient as you retired that evening from Kingstone Surgery. You took care of me so professionally and were massively kind throughout my treatment. You talked about how you were so looking forward to retiring with your puppy that you had been longing for ages. I was so happy for you. Knowbody knows what another person is really going through, however much they smile and say they are fine. Jan, you will be massively missed, I know. I shall remember you and your wonderful person in my heart always. I send my sincere warm wishes to your dear family, including your doggy. I hope they can take strength from knowing you were loved by thousands of people. xxxx
Share your tribute hereThinking of the entire family at this darkest of times. May the Lord give strength and forbearance to all family and friends. Rest in Peace.
Share your tribute hereJan you were a lovely colleague and friend during my time at Ewyas Harold surgery, always professional and most of all caring. I hope that the grief your family are feeling will be helped by them knowing how much you were respected and loved by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. Rest in peace.
Share your tribute hereYou have always been a supportive friend and fellow runner. I will miss your beautiful smiling face, and warm sensible encouragement. Sad that you had to leave us. Rest now.
Share your tribute hereI was so hoping for a different outcome. This is devastating news and my thoughts are with Jans family. I worked with Jan at Kingstone Surgery where we had many a laugh doing clinics together. She was always so kind and supportive - a really great colleague. RIP.
Share your tribute hereWe were both devastated to hear of the passing of Jan. We have known her for over 40-years, as Landlady of the Bullring pub in Kingstone, when we lived in the village in the 1980s and latterly as a nurse at Ewyas Harold Surgery. She was always really interested in what you had to say. I always remember her smile. Rest in Peace Jan
Share your tribute hereI didn’t know Jan, but I’ve followed the news and like many was waiting and hoping for her to come home safe and well. We don’t live far from where she was found, my heart breaks for her friends and family. Such a horrible tragedy, my deepest sympathies with all of her loved ones, it’s very clear that she was such a wonderful lady, a big part of many communities across Herefordshire. Such a terrible loss.
Share your tribute hereSorry Jan it ended like this rip lovely lady x
Share your tribute hereI’m so heartbroken to hear this news. Although I never knew Jan, I felt as if I got to know her from all the outpourings of love and support from her friends and family during the weeks of searching for her. Like others I know, I often talked about her and we never gave up hope that she would be found safe and well. She was such a well loved and highly respected member of the community. I am truly devastated by the loss of this remarkable lady. Love to all her friends and family. RIP Jan x
Share your tribute hereHeartbreaking news. We all prayed you would be found safe and well. You were an amazing, inspirational woman who always had time to stop for a chat. Sincere condolences to your family and friends. Rest in peace, Jan
Share your tribute hereWith deepest sympathy to Jan’s family and friends from all members of Hay Hotfooters Running Club.
Share your tribute hereDidn’t personally know Jan but followed and helped search from the first day, hoped every day there would be news and she would be safe and sound. Every day same story… no news. Couldn’t even start to imagine the feelings of loved ones. Condolences go out to family at this very sad time.
Share your tribute hereOnly chatted to Jan on a few occasions, once in Valencia! However, as a non-club runner it was very apparent how much you added to the running scene in Herefordshire and not only through your own outstanding performances. We often ran and finished races in close proximity as we were of similar ability. Your effort, persistence and enjoyment of participating in races was obvious. Your absence has already been sadly apparent in recent races and will continue to be so for many years to come. Thoughts to all family members and are extended to your wider 'family' at WVR.
Share your tribute hereSuch a kind person and gentle nurse, who looked after us so well for years at Kingstone surgery. Such a very sad outcome, and we send our sincere condolences.
Share your tribute hereFond memories of Jan as a neighbour and nurse at Kingstone surgery. A caring lady with a lovely smile that always put you at ease. Condolences to family and friends.
Share your tribute hereA truly sad day. Janet was a lovely nurse. She attended to me at Ewyas Harold surgery. I was post-op and in so much pain, but her gentle kindness helped me get better. My thoughts are with you and your family Jan. May perpetual light shine on you. God bless.
Share your tribute hereTragic, devastating. Jan, I will always remember your enthusiasm and encouragement to all. You were so kind to the children when we worked together in Burghill school. We will all miss you. I will never forget your kind face and smile, always asking after my father. I will miss racing with you. Love to your family, deepest condolences. I will run with you again one day, lots of love Jan, thank you for your kindness xxxxx
Share your tribute hereJan and I worked together, she developed services which made a huge difference to the work of general practice nurses in Herefordshire. A dedicated and inspiring nurse and a kind, compassionate person. Heartfelt thoughts to family, friends and colleagues xxxx
Share your tribute hereYou were our nurse at Kingstone surgery and always put me at ease And then I ran with you at Wye Valley Running Club You were such a lovely person always smiling RIP Jan xxx
Share your tribute hereIdidn't know you, Jan, but have been hoping you would be found safe and well. So very sorry to hear the very sad news. Condolences to all the family.
Share your tribute hereSuch sad news. My thoughts and heart go out to all family and friends. Xx
Share your tribute hereDear Jan, every day since you went missing we went we looked for you. The children said wouldn’t it be great if you were found. The whole of Hereford wished you well. Sleep well, and God bless x
Share your tribute hereJan you were a wonderful nurse at Kingstone surgery, you will be greatly missed. Thinking of your family at this sad time
Share your tribute hereI didn't know you, Janet. I live in Leeds. But you were the same age as me and when I saw your lovely kind face I hoped you would come home safe. Peace be with you.
Share your tribute hereMy husband and I are very sorry to hear this very sad news. We and all of our family have such happy memories of Jan at our surgery, and also at the Bullring at Kingstone. God bless, you lovely lady. Our sincere condolences to family.
Share your tribute hereI didn’t know Janet but have prayed she would be found safe and sound. RIP, Janet, and heartfelt condolences to all your family and friends x
Share your tribute hereJan, I always felt so safe and looked after when needing your services as a nurse in Ewyas Harold. This end is so very sad and I feel so heartbroken for your family. Rest in peace amongst the angels, for you are one.
Share your tribute hereI knew you for such a short time but your kindness, support and ray-of-sunshine personality have stayed with me and I will always remember those fleeting moments. Your moments came at a time I felt out if my depth, but you played a part in helping me find my way again. You will always be remembered and loved. So glad I was where I was when you were there also. xxx
Share your tribute hereIt is with a sad heart that I heard of the loss of a wonderful person. Jan was a great nurse at my local surgery at Kingston who always took time to ask if I was coping with everything. She will be sadly missed by all who knew she. To her family at this sad time, my feelings are with you. Sleep well, Jan.
Share your tribute hereI knew Janet from Peterchurch surgery. She was always a lovely lady, putting you at ease while she treated you. Such very sad news x
Share your tribute hereJan was a lovely lady. I worked alongside her at Ewyas Harold and Peterchurch surgeries. She was full of life and fun and was extremely conscientious. It's terribly hard to even imagine what her family are going through, but the fact that so many have tirelessly done their best to find her shows just how much she was loved. I hope this gives some comfort. RIP Jan
Share your tribute hereI didn’t know you, followed your story and prayed you would be found safe and well. Rest In Peace Janet. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this sad time.
Share your tribute hereJan you were a fab nurse and always so kind. Our thoughts are with your family.
Share your tribute hereSo so sad to read about this tragic news and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends I did not know Janet Edwards personally. However I think perhaps I did meet her a few years ago on my very first park run in Hereford. I will always remember her beautiful smile and I will never forget her kindness in helping me past the line. All of my runs since Janet went missing have been dedicated to her and if allowed I shall continue to dedicate my runs to her memory. RIP Janet.
Share your tribute hereJan: A warm hearted, smiling, and compassionate nurse... quintessential qualities of a most adorable and most loveable lady.
Share your tribute hereI didn't know you very well, but at any event, race or even parkrun you were the most supportive, friendly, inspiring person there, our whole family have been effected greatly by your loss, hope you know you were loved. Rest in peace ❤️🙏
Share your tribute hereJanet you were a fantastic lady,always happy to talk to me you seemed to really care and look after your family well, such a shame this has happened to you, it was a pleasure to know u .My thoughts are with your family , Rest in peace Jan xxx
Share your tribute hereI did not know you, but read about your disappearance and shared on facebook. Very sad to hear this awful news. Sending condolences to friends and family. RIP
Share your tribute hereWhat a support you were to so many! How thoughtful to give my young son a chocolate button to stop his tears after his injections. Then when I joined the running group you were so encouraging and supportive. It was always a pleasure to chat to you. You were a pillar of the community and I will continue to think of you often. Much love to your family and friends.
Share your tribute hereYou didn't know me but I knew of you because of your success in running. Last time I saw you at Hereford Parkrun you ran with me and chatted and unknowingly you helped me run my fasted Parkrun ever. Thankyou. You then zoomed on and finished ahead of me. I was sad to hear you'd gone missing in December and thought of you often whilst out running hoping you'd be found safe and well. Rest in peace and happy running wherever you are now.
Share your tribute hereCondolences to the family
Share your tribute hereYou will be terribly missed Jan by all who had the absolute pleasure of knowing you. Sleep well. Jan’s family and friends my deepest and sincerest condolences, love one another and remember the life, not the loss. Xxx
Share your tribute hereI didn't know you in person but feels like I learnt about you from your friends words . You clearly were an amazing lady , very much loved and respected. Such sad news today and my heart goes out to your loved ones and all who knew you . RIP lovely lady . X
Share your tribute hereRest in peace Jan, great competitor ,will miss you on the race scene,
Share your tribute hereAbsolutely heartbreaking . Jan was mine and my daughters nurse at ewyas harold surgery for a while and a lovely woman and nurse she was. Very sad. Thoughts go to her family and friends ❤
Share your tribute hereJanet was a fantastic running colleague with Wye Valley Runners. She was so encouraging and helpful, a brilliant role model. She developed her running to a really good level through determination and dedication. She was such an influence around the club and it was a pleasure to be associated with her. Condolences to her family and friends. RIP Jan
Share your tribute hereI never met you but we shared common interests and lifestyle and were close in age. You were a valued member of the community and your loss is a tragedy for your family and friends. You will be much missed by everyone who knew you.
Share your tribute hereSo incredibly sad to hear this today almost three months to the day after Jan went missing. Jan was truly inspirational in every way. Such a kind, warm and caring lady and the matriarch of Wye Valley Runners. She is deeply missed by all. My thoughts to Brian and her daughters xxx
Share your tribute hereThe lovely nurse at Kingstone surgery, was a very kind person. Such very sad news. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. Xx
Share your tribute hereRest in peace Janet throught with the family
Share your tribute hereWe didn’t know you but with all our hearts we were hoping for you to be found safe and well. Love to all your family and friends 💔
Share your tribute hereFond memories of Jan from her landlady days at The Bull Ring in Kingstone and also her nurse days at Kingstone Surgery. Our sincere condolences go out to her family at this awfully sad time!
Share your tribute hereI have lots of fond memories of you, Jan. An amazing lady who was afabulous and encouraging lady to run with. Sending my love to Brian and all family. All the running community will miss Jan xxx
Share your tribute hereMassive hopes for your safety sweetie, it must of been terrible for your family not knowing where you were, your name will live in everyone and today I pray you rest eternity. I never knew you but everywhere I walked I saw your face with that beautiful smile... Rip Janet xx
Share your tribute hereWe will always remember the good times we had with Jan back in the Nineties. Lovely lovely lady and a very caring and dedicated nurse. Condolences to Jan’s family and friends.
Share your tribute hereAlthough I didn’t know you, you seem like an amazing woman, that didn’t deserve what happened to you. May you rest in peace now Janet, you were and are loved dearly.❤️
Share your tribute hereI didnt know you but I've followed the story hoping you would be found safe and well but this wasnt the case 😔My thoughts are with Janet's family amd friends ❤
Share your tribute hereI didn't know Janet but have been following the story hoping that she would be found safe and well. My heart ❤ goes out to all her family, friends and the members of her running group whom have worked so hard to trace her as well of course to all the emergency services. I am so sorry it has ended so tragically.
Share your tribute hereSo sorry re member Janet from Kingstone surgery Rip lovely ladyxx
Share your tribute hereMany memories of Jan, from the Bullring pub, Kingstone surgery and rafting. A great loss. We want to offer condolences to all her family
Share your tribute hereSo very sad. Hadn’t seen you for ages Jan but it was a pleasure to have known you. RIP.
Share your tribute hereSo sad for Jans family Thak you for looking after me and my family xx we will miss you xx
Share your tribute hereThoughts with all the family x Such a sad story.
Share your tribute hereSomething we didn't want to happen. A light has been switched off. A sad loss. RIP, Jan, you will be missed.
Share your tribute hereSo, so, sad. I was hoping for some good news. Never gave up hope. Rip, Jan, thoughts are with all friends and family. A fantastic nurse at Kingstone doctors. Xx
Share your tribute hereSo sorry to hear this news, I never knew Jan, but I wish her eternal peace and love and healing hugs to her family and friends ❤️
Share your tribute hereAlthough I haven’t been a part of the running club for the last couple of years, I have a lot of fond memories of Jan, mainly centred around the Cotswold relay. When I first met Jan I was almost intimidated by her strength, but she had such a caring and supportive nature, and would always be genuinely interested in how her fellow runners were doing. I send Brian and the rest of Jan's family my sincere condolences. I hope we can all find the strength to enjoy the memories we have of her. All my love, Brian, Maria Miles xx
Share your tribute hereWe will probably never know how you were found so far away, but thinking of the family, RIP
Share your tribute hereSo sad, such an inspiring lady, RIP, Jan. Much love to her family at this sad time. xx
Share your tribute hereSuch sad news a lovely lady remember her well from kingstone surgery
Share your tribute hereA fantastic nurse. A beautiful lady inside and out. Jan will be much missed.
Share your tribute herei've been follwing the story, so sad - condolences to the family, friends and her colleagues
Share your tribute hereSo very sad to be reading the news I very often thought about Janet were she was and hoped she was save and well my thoughts now are with her family and friends 🥀🥀
Share your tribute hereI only met you and ran with you and shared coffee and cake with you the day before you went missing. But it was a pleasure to have met you. RIP Jan 😔💕
Share your tribute hereRip Jan always kind and helpful and was a pleasure to run with you, never forgotten Such an inspirational lady. Sara & Family Xxx
Share your tribute hereYou will be missed terribly Jan. I always called you my running mum! Never forgotten and always in our thoughts xxx
Pay your tribute to former Hereford nurse Janet Edwards
Contribute to this online book of condolence after the sad death of Hereford woman Janet Edwards, a former nurse at NHS surgeries
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