The heartbroken family members of former NRL player Chad Robinson have paid tribute to the 36-year-old, saying life without him would be unimaginable.
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Just hours after the body of the former Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters player was found in Sydney's north-west, Robinson's family thanked the hundreds who had helped in their desperate search after he disappeared from his Kellyville home nearly a month ago.
Just after 12.30pm on Thursday, that search came to a devastating end when electricity workers found a body in a wrecked car at the base of a cliff in Kenthurst.
"A post-mortem examination will officially determine how the man died. Initial inquiries suggest there are no apparent suspicious circumstances," police said in a statement.
Robinson's family - including his sister Monique Brennan and brother Tim Robinson, who plays for the Cronulla Sharks - had launched an extensive public appeal and social media campaign in an attempt to find him.
On Thursday, they confirmed their worst fears had been realised, in a heartbroken message on a Facebook page they had originally set up to find him.
"It's with a heavy heavy heart that we can confirm that Chad's body has been found this afternoon," his family said.
"There are no words for our whole [family's] loss and especially his two beautiful kids. Thank you everyone ... for your support the last few weeks.
"Brother you were the world to all of us, I can't imagine life without you, but you are free, fly high my beautiful brother."
The tragic news prompted messages of support and condolence from more than 1000 people, while tributes poured in from the rugby league community including new Parramatta Eels chief executive Bernie Gurr.
"The Parramatta Eels are devastated by the news of the tragic loss of Chad Robinson, Blue and Gold player number 617," Gurr said.
"Chad was a much loved local junior, first-grade player and valued teammate at our club.
"Chad will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."
The Sydney Roosters said in a statement that the club was "deeply saddened by he tragic loss" of the former player.
"Player number 1015, Chad was a popular teammate and friend to all at the Roosters," the club said.
"Chad played 70 first-grade games for the Roosters between 2002-2004, including the 2003 and 2004 NRL Grand Finals.
"The Sydney Roosters extend their heartfelt sympathies to the many family and friends of Chad Robinson at this very sad time."
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg sent condolences to Robinson's family on behalf of the rugby league community.
Chad Robinson was such wonderful young man. This is so sad. I can't imagine how his family must be feeling. Deepest sympathies. R.I.P. Chad— Phil Gould (@Gus10Gould) December 22, 2016
The Parramatta Eels are devastated by the news of the tragic loss of Chad Robinson, player number 617. https://t.co/xIfaQuSeqk #blueandgold pic.twitter.com/Yo3Ihg0Ium— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) December 22, 2016
On behalf of all of us at the @NRL we send our condolences to the family of Chad Robinson-Hug your families & always look out for each other— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) December 22, 2016
The Sydney Roosters have been deeply saddened by the tragic loss of former player Chad Robinson.https://t.co/Dw0fBEO1vq— Sydney Roosters (@sydneyroosters) December 22, 2016
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