A medium who used his “gift” discovered Nicola Bulley’s body.
Jason Rothwell, 33, said he led police to the location where the missing mother-of-two was discovered, which was less than a mile from where she went missing on January 27.
The spiritualist and his companion were photographed at the scene pointing out to officers the location where she was discovered in reeds alongside the River Wyre.
The body was formally identified as Nicola’s by police today (Monday, February 20), and the circumstances surrounding her death will be investigated by the coroner.
Her devastated family said their “worst fears” had been confirmed.
“We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us,” they added.
The 45-year-old mortgage adviser went missing at 9.15 a.m. while exercising her dog in a field by the river in the Lancashire village of St Michael’s on Wyre.
Another dog walker discovered Willow, a springer spaniel, running around the field near its lead and harness.
Nicola’s phone was discovered face-up on a bench near the water’s edge, muted with the video camera turned off.
A massive police operation involving 40 officers, divers, drones, a force helicopter, and private forensic search experts yielded no results.
Mr Rothwell made the breakthrough when he arrived at the scene yesterday morning, 50 miles from his home in Oldham, Greater Manchester (Sunday, February 19).
“It is with great regret that I must address this issue at this time,” he said in a statement posted online.
“But due to wide number of private enquiries and threads now circulating on YouTube and TikTok I feel I should put a brief statement.
“As has obviously become apparent, yes, it is myself in the images in the media currently circulating relating to the case of Nicola Bulley and yes, yesterday morning it was myself and a friend who reported and assisted the police in the recovery of a body from the River Wyre.
“I would also like to just say a huge thank you to Lancashire Police for their help, support and the open-mindedness with which they dealt with us following our call.
“Spiritualists or mediums are obviously not something the police come across every day and I appreciate the respect given to us both.
“It is also important to mention I was not asked by the police or Nicola’s family to become involved in this case.”
Mr Rothwell, who claimed to have previously successfully assisted in the investigation of another missing person, stated that he decided to assist Nicola’s family after seeing ‘wild speculation and hurtful commentary’ about the case.
“I decided to use whatever gift it is we mediums possess to try and locate Nicola Bulley,” he said.
Speaking before police had confirmed the body’s identity he added: “My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and loved ones at this time and I do hope that if it is indeed Nicola, they can find some peace with this.
“If it is not I would send my prayers to the family off whomsoever it may be.
“I would add as a final note I will not be giving any further information or commentary at this time regarding the work involved in finding this person nor is it my place to engage in any discussion on how that body came to originally be in the water.”
In a statement issued through police Nicola’s family said: “Our family liaison officers have had to confirm our worst fears today.
“We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
“We will never forget Nikki. How could we? She was the centre of our world, she was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.
“Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most.
“To those who genuinely helped and supported us privately we thank you.
“The community support in St Michael’s, friends, neighbours and strangers has been nothing short of comforting and heart-warming. Friends, you know who you are. Thank you.
“Our hearts truly break for others who have missing loved ones. Keep that hope alive.
“Finally Nikki you are no longer a missing person. You have been found. We can let you rest now.
“We love you, always have and always will. We’ll take it from here.”
Lancashire’s Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson said: “Sadly we are now able to confirm that yesterday we recovered Nicola Bulley from the River Wyre.
“Nicola’s family have been informed and are, of course, devastated.
“Our thoughts are with them at this time as well as with all her loved ones and the wider community.
“We recognise the huge impact that Nicola’s disappearance has had on her family and friends, but also on the people of St Michael’s.
“We would like to thank all of those who have helped during what has been a hugely complex and highly emotional investigation.
“Today’s development is not the outcome any of us would have wanted but we hope that it can at least start to provide some answers for Nicola’s loved ones, who remain foremost in our thoughts.
