GRIEF has turned to anger after vet Catherine Gowing was confirmed dead for the first time this week.
Hopes of finding the 37-year-old Irish woman alive were shattered after her human remains were discovered.
Carole Davies, a friend and colleague at Evans Veterinary Surgery in Clayton Road, Mold, said: “She didn’t deserve what happened to her, nobody did.
“The vet world has lost a fantastic vet. I feel we have been cheated out of a wonderful person.
“The grief has turned to anger.
“She was a great friend and colleague - always fun to be around, never down, always happy.
“The latest news has confirmed our worst fear. Even though we were told to expect the worst there had still been some hope because there have been cases when people are found much later, such as Jaycee Dugard [who was kidnapped and missing for 18 years].”
About 100 sympathy cards line the front counter of the veterinary practice. Dozens of bouquets have also been brought in.
A post-mortem examination found human remains discovered in a shallow pool in Sealand belonged to Miss Gowing.
And North East Wales acting coroner John Gittins officially confirmed her death on Monday and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.
More human remains were found on the banks of the River Dee in Ferry Lane, Higher Ferry, on Friday, by an off-duty Cheshire police officer. These are expected to be identified later this week.
Miss Gowing’s family in County Offaly, the Republic of Ireland, have been informed of her death.
Neighbours in Cae Isa, New Brighton, where Miss Gowing lived have also been upset by the latest news.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “It was a shock. Everyone always hoped she would be found alive and I think everyone’s very saddened by it.
“She didn’t deserve that, it’s such a shame it happened to such a nice person.
“I look at her house now and feel so sorry because it’s like there’s a void that can’t be filled.”
A police officer remains stationed outside the home where she had lived for the past 18 months with her friend and fellow vet Jane Doyle. It is understood Ms Doyle has returned home to County Meath in the Republic of Ireland.
Police are also based at a property in Meadow View, Sealand, where forensic officers were previously searching.
A police spokesman said a number of areas were being searched for evidence as part of the investigation into her alleged murder.
Clive Sharp, 46, of Bethesda, Gwynedd, has been charged with her murder.
Police are still appealing for information, particularly sightings of Miss Gowing’s purple, Irish registered Renault Clio 00D 99970 and (Clive) Sharp’s black Volvo S40 AG58 JHE, since Friday, October 12, and particularly in the Sealand area. Anyone with information should call police on 101.
Tributes pour in for caring vet
TRIBUTES continue to pour in for tragic vet Catherine Gowing, after an inquest was opened in to her death.
On Monday, North East Wales acting coroner John Gittins officially confirmed her death for the first time and an inquest was opened and adjourned.
Since then readers including Sealand councillor Christine Jones, have taken to the Leader Facebook page to express their grief and offer their condolences to Miss Gowing’s friends and family.
Sara Diana Williams wrote: “Such a dreadful, dreadful, outcome, my heart goes out to her family and friends. Let’s hope justice can be done.”
Michelle Louise Jones posted: “Such a cruel world. RIP. Thoughts are with your family.”
Sealand councillor Christine Jones commented: “As ward member for Sealand I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Catherine. Myself and residents have been deeply saddened by what has happened. God bless.”
And Lisa Taylor wrote: “My thoughts are with her family and friends, she was a lovely lady. RIP Catherine.”
Police found the human remains in an area known as the Lum, next to Manor Road, Sealand, and tests confirmed they were Miss Gowing’s at the weekend.