Father's grief after boy, 14, with 'no concept of danger' is found dead in river after vanishing

Release time：2024-05-09 08:41:52 Source：Stellar Scope news portal

The father of a teenage boy who was found dead in a river after vanishing from his grandparents' home has spoken of his grief.

Luke Howe's disappearance in Hale just before 6.15pm on January 18 sparked a major search operation involving emergency services, members of the public and loved ones.

Tragically the 14-year-old, who was a pupil at Brentwood School and College in Sale, was discovered in a stretch of the River Bollin near Ashley Mill Lane the following day by an underwater search team.

While he was missing Luke's aunt, Jessica Howe, told the public about her nephew's global developmental delay and autism diagnoses, adding that he had 'no concept of danger'.

Now, his father James Howe, a transport planner, and his mother Elizabeth Howe, a registered nurse, have told of their pain after losing 'a beautiful, beautiful soul'.

Luke Howe, 14, was found dead in a stretch of the River Bollin near Ashley Mill Lane in Hale on January 19

His family said he had 'no concept of danger' due to his global developmental delays and autism

Speaking after today's hearing at South Manchester Coroners' Court in Stockport, Mr Howe said: 'We really miss him. We miss him everyday. That's all I can say.'

Mrs Howe also added: '[Luke] was just a beautiful, beautiful soul. So happy and loving, just a real character.'

An inquest into Luke's death was formally opened in February. Today, Mr Howe attended at a pre-inquest review hearing.

READ MORE: 'We are devastated': Aunt's anguish as the body of her autistic nephew, 14, is found in river

Coroner Chris Morris detailed how Luke had been 'prescribed medication in his system' in a pathologist report, but added there 'would be no surprise about that'.

A previous inquest date of July 26 was said to be 'unrealistic', Mr Morris said. A new date was provisionally listed as Monday, November 18, with a hearing pencilled in to last five days.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), which runs the the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMS), has been named as an interested party due to the 'ongoing treatment' Luke was receiving.

The teenager, the court heard, 'seemed to have been spiralling after going back to school after Christmas'. 

Mr Morris also requested any A&E information over the last year and for a report from Greater Manchester Police about its investigation.

Trafford council has also been named as an interested party. Mr Morris asked for a statement to be obtained from Luke's school. 

'It's very clear Master Howe was reported missing within moments of him going missing and it would be helpful to have an overview,' the coroner said. 'I believe he was treated as a high-risk missing person from the outset.' That was confirmed by police coroners' officer Claire Smith.

Luke's parents have spoken of their pain after losing a 'beautiful, beautiful boy'

The teenager's disappearance in Hale just before 6.15pm on January 18 sparked a ajor search operation

Luke's family have since launched a crowdfunding appeal in his honour to raise funds for a new soft play area at the school, as they said 'there was nothing he loved more.'

His aunt Jessica said the family wanted to 'focus now on doing something positive in Luke's name'. 

'We have decided we would love to fundraise for his school, Brentwood College, in memory of his name,' she said. 'Brentwood is an outstanding school for SEND pupils with additional needs and we are hoping to fundraise for new soft play for the school.' A total of more than 55,500 has so far been raised.

To find out more about the campaign, and to donate, click here. https://www..gofundme.com/f/luke-howe

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