07 March 2023 , 19:25
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The mum of missing woman Nicola Payne has died without ever finding out what happened to her daughter.
Mum Marilyn Payne was confirmed to have died at the age of 77 on Tuesday and her family described her as "tenacious," determined and brave as she continued to seek answers over what happened to her daughter, who disappeared in 1991.
Writing on the Find Nicola Payne Facebook page, her family said: “Nicola’s family are devastated to announce the death of her mum, Marilyn Payne. A tenacious woman who never gave up on finding her daughter and laying her to rest.
“The bravery she showed was extraordinary, and now her determination will continue through her family and many friends in order to finally bring Nicola home.”
Nicola disappeared in December 1991 at the age of just 18 while she walked home from her boyfriend's house. She had a seven-month-old son named Owen at the time.
Nicola Bulley's children 'cried their eyes out' after being told 'mummy's lost'
It is over 30 years since Nicola went missing (SWNS.com)
Marilyn and John Payne never gave up looking for their daughter (SWNS.com)Nicola disappeared in thick fog in a patch of land known as the 'Black Pad' in Coventry. The journey to her parent's house should only have taken around five minutes.
No trace of her body has ever been found.
A number of arrests have been made in the years following Nicola's disappearance, but a bungled police investigation and a 2015 court case saw two suspects acquitted.
Nicola, who had a young son, disappeared in thick fog (SWNS.com)Both men were cleared of murder after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Marilyn and her husband John, also 77, last made a public appeal for information in 2021, 30 years after Nicola disappeared.
Still seeking answers, the campaign for information about Nicola will continue and her brothers Scott, 55, and Nigel, 57.
Her cousin Amanda Eales, 42, is also part of the campaign.
Speaking on the 30th anniversary, Amanda said Nicola was “the big sister I never had”.
Marilyn sadly passed away at the age of 77 (SWNS.com)She said: “I was eight years younger than Nicky, and I really looked up to her. She had everything to live for. She completely adored her son – and everyone who knew her loved her.
“Everyone’s life took a different turn the day she disappeared, and we are still here, 30 years later, trying to find answers. We are a big family and there is always a birthday or anniversary to celebrate. There is always an empty space where Nicola should be.”
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
There are still appeals for information (SWNS.com)
Cousin Amanda said Nicola was 'the big sister I never had' (SWNS.com)Anyone with information about the disappearance can contact West Midlands Police on 101 or via its Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.