Missing singer and musician Stephen Martin whose body was found on Saturday in Co Sligo
THE heartbroken family and friends of the late Stevie Martin have paid tribute to the talented musician who died aged just 29.
Stevie Martin, originally from Lifford, but residing in Derry, had not been seen since July 25.
His body was recovered yesterday in Co Sligo, after a lengthy search of the Fanad Head coastline, after his car was left at Fanad Lighthouse.
Stevie Martin, known also as Rainy Boy Sleep was an incredibly talented artist and was revered all over the North-West for his superb work.
The sad news that his body had been found had been broken on Facebook by Conor Macan Amenos.
He posted: “Stevie’s mum asked me to let everyone know that his body’s been found & that his soul’s at peace.
“Thank you everyone for the prayers & concern you’ve shown, it was appreciated by his family & friends.”
As word broke that Stevie’s body had been found, devastated friends paid their own tributes to him via social media.
The popular band SOAK wrote, “Just heard news of my friend, Stevie Martin, aka Rainy Boy Sleep’s passing.
“I remember seeing him play at a festival locally when I was 13 and wishing I could write the songs he was singing, soon after that we made friends and he came to some of my first ever shows.
“We were lucky enough to have him on the road last year in Ireland for a couple of gigs and it was one of the most memorable tours we’ve done.”
“Never saw you without a smile on your face, was a pleasure to know you Stevie.
“Rest in peace. X. ”
Other friends left moving tribute, Sean Feeney wrote, “Rest in peace Stevie. Until we meet again Rainy Boy Sleep!”
Siobhan O’Neill, “Devastating. There was a song dedicated to him on the main stage at Stendhal. This touched so many people.
Paul Connolly, “He was an absolute gentleman and as creative as any soul could be. Thoughts with Stevie’s family.
Lauren M Molloy, “Absolutely heartbroken-no words – Sending love to family and friends at this sad time.”
The PSNI in Foyle raised the alarm about his disappearance last week saying they and Stevie’s family were concerned for his well being.
In a posting ‘Update on Stephen Martin’ on its Facebook page last night, PSNI Foyle said:
“Folks, it’s with great sadness that we have had to call off the search for Stephen Martin, AKA Rainy Boy Sleep, after he was discovered passed away earlier this weekend.
“He was a true gem of this city and when you look at how the whole community came together in an effort to find him, it’s beyond clear how much he meant to everyone who knew and loved him!”
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