A FAMILY have paid tribute to a loving wife and mother found dead in Wivenhoe following a major search operation.

Aleasha Coan, 36, from Elmstead Road, Colchester, was reported missing on January 4.

A body was discovered on January 6 and has been confirmed as Aleasha with an inquest into her death being opened today.

Her husband Rob and sons Oliver, 11, and Toby, ten, have paid an emotional tribute to the woman who meant everything to them.

Mr Coan said: "I would like to thank all those who attended the search.

"The public support from friends, relatives and people who just wanted to help was overwhelming and incredibly humbling.

"The kindness shown will live with me forever.

"I would especially like to thank Tania Browne and Nick Kitchen, whose personal support to me during the search and in the immediate aftermath has been incredible and without it I would I have found the last few days impossible to deal with, and Sacha Brackenbury and Mandy Fowler for their amazing efforts in publicising and gathering the public support.

"Most of all I would like to thank my two gorgeous boys who have turned into men in front of my very eyes.

"Their strength has amazed me and their courage inspired me. They are definitely their mother’s children and she will be proud of them."

Oliver said: "My mum was a wonderful person and was a friend to everyone she met.

"We will miss her greatly but are happy that people will remember her for who she was."

Toby added: "To mummy. We are going to miss you. We love you very much and that will never stop.

"I know you will be in a better place now and we will all miss you. Mummy was a kind special mummy and we will miss you."

See the full story in Wednesday's Gazette.