Former Wigan Post and ITV journalist found dead in river two days after going missing

Tributes have been paid to Neil Billingham after the 51-year-old’s body was recovered from the Warwick Bridge area of Cumbria, which lies close to the River Eden.

Neil, who began his career as a news reporter at the Wigan Evening Post in 1996, had spent the last 10 years working as news editor for ITV Border News.

He also worked as a producer and writer for various sports programmes including Futbol Mundial and BBC shows Football Focus, the Football League Show, Match of the Day and Score.

Neil was reported missing on October 15 and his body was found two days later, with Cumbria Constabulary confirming his identity on Thursday (October 19).

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesperson said: “Police can confirm that the body of a man located in the Warwick Bridge area on Tuesday October 17 has been formally identified as Neil Billingham, 51, from Carlisle who was reported as missing on October 15.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious.

“A file is being prepared for the coroner.”

In a tribute on Facebook, Neil’s brother Paul said: “With great sadness my wonderful brother Neil Billingham passed away on Sunday.

“We are all devastated.

“Neil had suffered with his mental health over a long period and wanted people to talk and be open about it.

"We are overwhelmed with the messages of condolences and support from so many lovely people.

"Neil was very popular and had friends all around the world.”

Wigan Post and Wigan Today editor Charles Graham said: “It was terribly sad to hear of Neil’s passing at so young an age.

"I well remember him as a rookie reporter when we were at our Martland Mill base in the 1990s and he was full of enthusiasm.

"It soon became apparent though that his ambitions lay in broadcast journalism and off he went to work for TransWorld Sport and his career progressed well from there.“He leaves some deeply saddened friends in Wigan.”

Guy Phillips, editor at ITV Regional News, said: “Neil Billingham was a much-loved colleague of ITV Border and worked alongside the team for 10 years.

“A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, he will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Neil’s funeral is set to take place on Monday November 6 at Carlisle Crematorium at 3pm.

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