Former Bradford Bulls star Bryn Hargreaves ‘disappeared in US for six months’ as family steps up search to find him Yorkshire News

Bryn Hargreaves, now 36, retired from rugby league in 2012 when his contract with Bradford Bulls was not renewed, having joined the club in 2010.

He then moved to the US after meeting his American wife on vacation, but they have since separated and he moved to West Virginia for work.

After a police investigation launched when he disappeared earlier in the year failed to find any trace of him, family members from his hometown of Wigan launched a £20,000 fundraising appeal to hire private investigators to continue the search. .

The former athlete has a distinctive tattoo of his family’s crest on his right arm.

Her brother Gareth wrote on the Gofundme page: “Bryn has had some unfortunate life events and has isolated herself due to Covid which has led to mental health issues of late. She had moved to the US to live with his American wife, whom he met on a vacation to Mexico, then moved from Pittsburgh to West Virginia for a job transfer.

“We appreciate all of the hard work from local police departments and the helpful community, but unfortunately, after five months, there have been no leads and no progress.”

The last time he was in contact with his family was on January 3. His apartment was empty when he was searched with his wallet and keys inside. He lived alone and did not have a car.

Donated funds can also be used for repatriation costs if a body is found, with any surplus being donated to charity.

Bradford Bulls have shared calls to find Mr Hargreaves, although his departure from the club saw him make critical comments related to how he was “disillusioned” with how the sport was handling player welfare. He gave several media interviews in which he said the athletes were ‘pieces of meat’ and that he had resigned due to rugby league’s precarious financial situation. He admitted to having a job offer abroad, but did not elaborate on the profession he would enter.