5 days ago
Family of Greg Monks 'truly heartbroken' after missing Scot found dead in Portugal
The 38-year-old from Cambuslang, near Glasgow, vanished hours into a stag do trip to Albufeira in the Algarve last week
The family of Greg Monks say they are"truly heartbroken" after the missing Scot was found dead in Portugal following a week-long search.
The 38-year-old from Cambuslang, near Glasgow, vanished hours into a stag do trip to Albufeira in the Algarve. A frantic search was launched after Greg ended up separated from his pals during their first night out last Tuesday. He was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday May 28 on CCTV miles from his apartment.
Desperate loved ones flew from Glasgow to Portugal to help with the search, including his mum and girlfriend Nicole. His dad left mid-holiday in Spain to be in the country to help find his son.
Now, a week later, Portuguese media confirmed a body had been found at the bottom of a ravine, the site reportedly "a long way from the spot where he was last seen".
Portuguese newspaper Corrie da Manha reported the local Policia Judiciaria force is at the scene.
Sister Jillian Monks, 36, who carried out a mass social media campaign to find Greg today told of her families devastation, as she paid tribute to her "amazing" brother.
She told the Record: "We are truly heartbroken. Everyone who knows Greg knows how much he will be missed and what an amazing guy he was."
Jillian stayed in Glasgow with her two young children but helped run a Facebook page set up to find Greg. First Minister John Swinney also sent the family an email this week to share his thoughts for their efforts.
Following the tragic news earlier today heartfelt tributes have been paid to Greg, who has been hailed as "lovely guy".
Alexander McHendrie said: "Rip Greg Monks defo one of life's good guys such a shame. Heart goes out to the family and the boys also."
George Garscadden said: "Heartbreaking news RIP Greg Monks. My thoughts are with Jillian and the rest of your family. You were one of the good guys in life. God bless you mate."
Abby Telfer said: "So sad. Thoughts go out to my girl Jillian, her family and his poor girlfriend. Rest in peace Greg. Utterly heartbreaking."
Justine Brns said: "RIP Greg Monks. What a good guy you were. Heartbroken for your family and friends. Devastating news for everyone who knew you."
Agnes Neil-Neeson said: "I have no words. He was a lovely boy."
Alicia Faulds said: "Heartbroken for Nicole and Greg's family. I was praying for him and hoping he would be found safe."
Greg who was set to be a groomsmen for his pals wedding, left Scotland on Tuesday, May 27 to head for the Algarve with a group of friends celebrating on a five-day stag holiday. The group partied on Albufeira's famous strip before Greg became separated from the rest of the group.
He was spotted in a quieter residential area of Cerro de Aguia on Tuesday, May 27, roughly four miles away from the main party strip and Novochoro Apartments - where Greg was staying with pals.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Jillian admitted the family had "never known pain like this" as they took on the task to try and search for Greg. Posters were made in English and Portuguese with contact details and information on his last known whereabouts. A number of extensive private searches were underway, including drone searches involving volunteers.
the local authorities".
