A desperate, week-long search for a missing Wirral father has concluded in tragedy, leaving a family devastated and a community in mourning. Mark Stonock, a 56-year-old father-of-three from Wallasey, was found deceased in Edinburgh, prompting a powerful and emotional tribute from his brother who is now raising funds to bring him home for a final farewell.
The search effort, which involved friends, colleagues, and Merseyside Police, ended with the heartbreaking confirmation from Mark's brother, Paul, who announced the news "with a broken heart and deepest sorrow."
Key Takeaways
- Mark Stonock, a 56-year-old father from Wallasey, was found deceased in Edinburgh on September 6, 2025.
- He had been reported missing on September 1, sparking a wide-ranging search.
- His brother, Paul, has launched a fundraiser to repatriate his body and cover funeral expenses.
- Scottish authorities have confirmed an investigation into the circumstances of his death is underway.
The Search and Tragic Discovery
The alarming sequence of events began on Monday, September 1, when Mark Stonock was reported missing from his home in Wallasey. The initial investigation by Merseyside Police led them to believe he had traveled to Liverpool Lime Street station the following day, Tuesday, September 2.
From there, it was thought he had taken transport towards North Yorkshire, focusing search efforts in that direction. However, the search took a devastating turn when it was confirmed that Mark had been found in Edinburgh on Saturday, September 6.
Timeline of Disappearance
- September 1: Mark Stonock reported missing from his Wallasey home.
- September 2: Police believe he traveled via taxi to Liverpool Lime Street.
- September 6: His body is discovered in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- September 8: His brother, Paul, publicly confirms the tragic news.
The news was made public by his brother, Paul, in a poignant social media post that confirmed the family's worst fears. The announcement shifted the community's focus from hope for his safe return to supporting his grieving family.
A Brother's Heartbreaking Tribute
In a deeply personal and moving statement, Paul Stonock paid tribute to his younger brother, remembering him as a complex and cherished individual. He shed light on Mark's long-term struggles with mental health, which he had largely hidden from view.
"It’s with a broken heart and deepest sorrow I share the passing of my little brother Mark. After many dark and difficult years the black dogs have finally chased my brother down and he finally took his own life in Edinburgh on 06/09/2025."
Paul described the immense effort from all corners of the community to locate him. "With so much hard work from all of his friends, colleagues, and Merseyside police we thought we would find him," he wrote, "but the fight had run out of him."
'A Funny, Talented, Idiotic Human Being'
The tribute painted a vivid picture of a man who was loved for his personality and creativity, but who was also carrying a heavy, unseen burden. Paul called his brother "a funny, talented, idiotic human being who was blessed with three wonderful children."
He highlighted the dichotomy of Mark's character: "a man with such a creative spark on one side but carrying such burdens with him yet all you would hear was ‘I’m fine’, ‘I’m good’, yet he never was."
The impact of his loss, Paul explained, will be felt deeply by everyone who knew him. "I, his children, his closest friends and everyone else that new Mark has lost someone that literally left his mark in their lives and big or small, will somehow never be the same."
Community Rallies to Bring Mark Home
In the wake of the devastating news, the family's immediate focus is on arranging Mark's final affairs. To manage the unexpected financial strain, Paul has initiated a public fundraiser.
Fundraiser Goal: The campaign aims to cover the costs associated with repatriating Mark's body from Scotland back to Wirral and to provide him with a fitting funeral service where all who knew him can pay their respects.
The fundraiser serves a dual purpose: to alleviate the financial burden on the family during an impossibly difficult time and to provide a focal point for the community's outpouring of grief and support. The date for the funeral service is yet to be confirmed.
Official Investigation Launched in Scotland
As the family grieves, authorities in Scotland have begun a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Scotland's prosecution body, confirmed the initial steps.
"The Procurator Fiscal has received a report on the death of a 56-year-old man in Edinburgh on 6 September 2025," the official statement read.
The spokesperson added, "An investigation into the death is ongoing and significant developments will be shared with the family throughout the investigation.” This is standard procedure for such cases in Scotland and ensures all factors are thoroughly examined.
Mental Health Support
If you are struggling or need someone to talk to, support is available. You are not alone. Please reach out to one of the following 24/7 services:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free.
- Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58.