Search continues in Cookstown for Taylor Stewart, 21, missing since New Year’s Day, as family and rescue teams urge public assistance
Search Continues for Missing Man Taylor Stewart
Taylor Stewart, 21, was last seen at about 5:30 AM on New Year’s Day in the Church Heights area of town. Police are conducting extensive searches with the help of specialist teams.
Family’s Emotional Appeal
Taylor’s family has made a heartfelt plea for him to reach out. His older sister, Paige, stated, “Me and mummy would fight to our deaths for you to come home, we are not whole without you.” She added, “I have no further information, apart from that someone somewhere knows something. If they have any sort of conscience, they would leave a note or tell someone where he is. We are all slowly fading away without him.”
Earlier this week, Paige highlighted on social media that three days had passed since her brother was reported missing. She urged Taylor, “If you are reading this, you are not in any trouble with the police or anyone else. Please ring one of us to let us know you are alive and somewhere warm. We all love you. We aren’t angry or disappointed in you. We are completely heartbroken and thinking the worst.”
Grandfather’s Concern
Taylor’s grandfather, Mitchell Crooks, also called for him to get in touch. He said, “We just want Taylor to come home. The whole family is so worried about him, especially with the weather being so bad over the last few days. Please, Taylor, just let us know that you are safe. You promised to help me with a few issues with my car, so I need you home to help. Please get in contact.”
Description and Search Efforts
At the time he was last seen, Taylor was wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a long-sleeved white shirt with a red square pattern, and green/brown boots. He is described as about 5 feet 8 inches tall, of medium build, with dark hair and brown eyes.
Police have asked the public not to put themselves at risk while helping with the search, especially due to cold weather, snow, and ice. Residents are encouraged to check sheds, garages, and outbuildings, as Taylor may have sought shelter.
Rescue Teams Involved
Lough Neagh Rescue confirmed that its swift water rescue team has been deployed to search Cookstown’s waterways and surrounding areas. Ryan Gray, a team leader in the K9 Search and Rescue NI organization, has been actively searching for Taylor. This volunteer emergency service uses search dogs and handlers to locate missing people across Northern Ireland.
Mr. Gray stated that the search will continue and urged the public to check any places of shelter on their property and report any information to the police. A spokesperson added, “We are asking members of the local community to please remain vigilant and to check any buildings, sheds, or outbuildings on your property. Taylor may have sought shelter there due to the weather.”
Contact Information
Anyone with information about Taylor’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 101, quoting reference 1108 of 01/01/26, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be submitted via the police non-emergency reporting form or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Police reiterated that even the smallest piece of information could be vital in helping to bring Taylor home safely.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Taylor Stewart |
| Age | 21 |
| Last Seen | 5:30 AM, New Year’s Day |
| Location | Church Heights area |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in |
| Build | Medium |
| Hair Color | Dark |
| Eye Color | Brown |
