Family and friends gather for Cole Cooper's funeral as tragic teen laid to rest

Daily Record

09-08-2025

Mourners were asked to wear blue for the funeral which started with a minute's silence outside the Bridge Inn in Bonnyrigg.
Mourners have gathered today to say a final farewell to tragic teenager Cole Cooper who was laid to rest.
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The 19-year-old was missing for five weeks after he disappeared from Longcroft, near Falkirk, on May 7. A large-scale search was launched with specialist teams, including a police helicopter, drones and officers from the dive and marine unit joining the effort.
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His body was discovered in woodland near Kilsyth Road, Banknock, on June 6, sparking grief across the community.
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Family and friends were asked to wear blue for the funeral which started with a minute silence outside the Bridge Inn in Bonnyrigg. The funeral procession then moved on to St Joseph's RC Church in Bonnybridge before ending at Stirlingshire Crematorium.
Hundreds of mourners attended the service with members of the public also standing near the church paying their respects. The hearse pulled into the church grounds with flowers saying 'Cole, 'Son' and 'Brother' resting against the coffin.
Cole's mum Wendy Stewart wore a blue jacket for the funeral and was seen being comforted by some of those who attended the service.
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On Friday, Wendy paid a moving tribute to her 'handsome darling son."
She wrote: "My Handsome Darling Son, I write this with emotion that cannot be explained or expressed. You have been taken away from us for whatever reason I do not know or understand.
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"We will have our final goodbye, I just hope and pray that you are around us in every way. I am missing your cheeky smile, funny laugh and your charm. Life won't be the same without you. I love you so so much and miss you so so much each and every day. That will never change. Fly high my handsome darling boy, until I meet you again, love, hugs n kisses, love you loads."
His aunt, Aimee Tennie, took to social media to share the family's wishes and to thank everyone who has stood by them during this devastating time.
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Aimee added: "We are deeply grateful for the continued support we have received from you all throughout this horrifying time.
"For everyone that has followed Cole's story, for those whom his story has touched the hearts of, for those who have shared, liked and commented during his disappearance, for those that attended his searches, for those who provided us with information, for those who may have known Cole, and for his friends. We would be honoured to have you all there."
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She said that there were still "many unanswered questions" during an "incredibly difficult" time.
She added: "Although incredibly heart-breaking and unfair this has been for Cole, we want this to be a celebration of his life. Forever 19 and he had forever to go."
She said that his family wanted his funeral to celebrate his 19 years and show his "funny, charming, and loving" personality.
It comes as his heartbroken family has lodged a formal complaint with Police Scotland' s Professional Standards Department, alleging a 'lack of urgency or seriousness' in the search for Cole despite 'high-risk indicators'. They say they were left 'isolated' and 'uninformed' during the ordeal, claiming the response 'bordered on negligence.'