Tributes paid to '˜gentlest soul' Louise

The scene where a woman's body was found

A woman whose body was recovered from a Wigan waterway has been identified.

Emergency services were called to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal off Gathurst Lane in Shevington at around 8.45am last Friday after the remains of the woman, who has been named locally as Louise Hurley, were discovered.

Police confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious and a 51-year-old woman had been identified and the family informed.

Tributes have been paid to Louise who, it is believed, was a mum-of-two who had been living in Beech Hill.

Carole Howard said: “Our family yesterday lost a member who was the gentlest soul you could ever come across.

“I will miss my little visits to you in Debenhams for our little catch-ups on life. May God keep you in his loving care up there sweetheart and look after us lot down here.

“RIP Louise. Special thoughts going out to John, Christy and Jamie.”

Ben Grundy wrote: “Thoughts and prayers go to Louise Hurley’s family. RIP Louise.”

Stey Shaw said: “I used to work for this lady and her husband when I was 16. Used to have so good chats with her.

“RIP thinking of your family at this sad time.”

Bev Bullough wrote: “RIP, will always be remembered. Thinking of your lovely family. Sleep tight.”

Carrie Chadwick wrote: “RIP love you’ll always be in my heart and thoughts. Still can’t get over it. Love you.”

It is the third time this year that a body has been found in one of the borough’s canals.

On March 7, the body of Irishman Mervyn Craig was found in the water near to Wallgate, opposite Seven Stars Road, after having been missing for a month.

The body of Jeffrey Bridge was found in the Leeds and Liverpool canal by Dover Lock pub, off Warrington Road, in Abram, on January 31 after going missing from the Wigan Wellbeing and Resilience Centre, in Leigh on December 2.