Body of Julius Lunanga recovered from Murray River

At about 8am today, the body of the 18-year-old was located in shallow water a short distance from the Kremur Street boat ramp. The body was recovered and taken to Albury hospital.

It comes after a memorial for Julius 'Jules' Lunanga was held last night.

Gateway Life Church pastor Jason Mannering said the family wast not expecting for their son and brother to be discovered so soon after the vigil.

"There were moments where there was some joy and some great comfort, but then of course with the flower part of the evening, that was quite traumatic for everybody," he said.

"A big part of our prayer was that the body would be recovered, so that there could be closure.

"This morning, we got the call very early that the body had been found, and so with that comes another level of shock and grief."

Mr Mannering said the family was able to meet the SES this morning to identify Julius.

"We will continue to support the family," he said.

"Now, at least we can proceed into the New Year and I feel that it's a blessing, that we have discovered the body in 2021, in the 12^th hour."

Funeral arrangements will be organised in coming weeks and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The young man was missing for six days, having encountered difficulty about 2.15pm on December 25 at the Noreuil Park foreshore boat ramp.

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