Neighbours pay tribute to ‘lovely lad’ after teenager is found dead in Ayrshire home
Locals told of their sadness at the Ardrossan Academy pupil’s death
TRIBUTES have been paid to a boy aged 15 found dead in his home.
Josh McGowan was hailed as a “lovely boy” after the tragic discovery.
Mum Maureen Stringfellow, 47, a nursing home carer, and dad John McGowan are being comforted by relatives in Saltcoats, Ayrshire.
Neighbours told of their sadness at the Ardrossan Academy pupil’s death.
Gina Vassallo said: “I watched that wee boy grow up from no size to a lovely, handsome boy.
“You couldn’t say anything bad about him and you couldn’t have met a nicer lad.
“When I heard the news I was sickened to the stomach and I really feel for his mum and dad.
"Maureen and John are lovely people who have been dealt a cruel and heavy blow.”
Another local said: “I think Josh had just done his prelim exams. It’s just so tragic to happen to a boy so young.”
It comes five months after two pupils at St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats, Joshua O’Neill, 13, and Rhiann Milne, 14, died just days apart.
First picture of tragic 15-year-old Ardrossan Academy schoolboy found dead at house in Saltcoats
Police Scotland said they are not treating Josh’s death as suspicious.
A spokeswoman said: “Around 6.20am on Friday, police received a report of the death of a 15-year-old boy in Saltcoats,
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“A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course and inquiries are ongoing.”
North Ayrshire Council said it would provide community support, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the young boy’s family at this very difficult time.
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