THE family of a university student who vanished from campus have paid tribute to their “everything” after a body was found in water nearby.
Connor James Calleja, 20, went missing from Lincoln University in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Connor had dreamt of studying architecture and had been inspired by a family trip to SydneyCredit: Lincolnshire Police
Connor was a big Chelsea fan his family said in a heartfelt tributeCredit: Lincolnshire Police
Local police confirmed on Tuesday that they made in the Foss bank body of water near The Brayford in Lincoln.
Formal identification has yet to take place but Lincolnshire Police believe it is Connor.
The student was last seen at 2.09am on January 11 near Court One on the university campus.
Officers do not believe his death was under suspicious circumstances.
In an emotional post on , his stepfather John Lewis said Connor was twice denied admission at a nightclub before making his way back to his accommodation.
Connor’s parents previously told the BBC : “We are worried sick and would like as much media presence as possible to locate him.”
His family said in a tribute that Connor spoke to them every day and “he loved his family deeply”.
Connor was studying architecture at university as he had always dreamt of doing. In a statement his family said he was “hardworking and determined, always achieving great grades throughout school and university.”
They added: “Whatever Connor did in life, he did to the best of his ability – he didn’t do half measures. He was committed to everything he did.”
Connor eventually wanted to design his own house and start his own architecture firm. He was fascinated by architecture and inspired by family holidays, including one to Sydney where he saw the Opera House, his family said.
They continued: “Connor was an incredibly kind and loyal person and always a joy to be around.
“We love him so much. Even when he went to university, he kept his close bond with his mum. He was genuinely happy with where his life was, and that brings us comfort.
“He was very well thought of, and his friends, family, teachers, and lecturers always spoke so highly of him.
“He loved football and was a massive Chelsea fan. He was so proud of his team, often talking about them as if he were on the pitch himself.
Connor had been excited about going back to university after the Christmas breakCredit: Lincolnshire Police
The 20-year-old loved his family and was especially close to his mumCredit: Bav Media
“Connor had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humour. He loved music, he played piano and was teaching himself to play the guitar. He enjoyed routines and had started batch cooking his meals, he even joked about eating straight from the saucepan to avoid washing up.
“He was smart, kind, and growing in confidence every day. He loved university and was excited to return after Christmas, especially looking forward to going on a night out to celebrate his friend’s birthday.
“Connor adored his friends and was fiercely loyal – you could always rely on him. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and didn’t have a bad bone in his body.
“He loved a Sunday roast (always with cheese sauce – a family joke!) and always wrote thoughtful, heartfelt cards for birthdays and Christmas.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
“He was everything to us – our baby and our world. We couldn’t have asked for a better son. Losing him has left us completely lost, but we take comfort in knowing he was happy and loved by all those around him.
“He gave us so much joy. We are so incredibly proud of him and that will stay with us forever.
“We deeply appreciate the kindness and support shown to us during this heart breaking time.”
“I love you more.”
“No, I love you most.”
The student was last seen on January 11 on the university campusCredit: Bav Media
Connor’s family said they are ‘completely lost’ by his tragic deathCredit: Bav Media 
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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