Latest news with #ColeCooper
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Family of tragic Scots teen Cole Cooper, 19, confirm funeral details as they pay fresh emotional tribute
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE family of Cole Cooper have confirmed his funeral details as they paid a fresh tribute to the tragic teen. The 19-year-old disappeared in May before his body was found four weeks later in the woods in Banknock, near Falkirk. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Cole Cooper's body was found in the woods in Banknock, near Falkirk, last month Credit: Police Scotland 3 A four-week search was carried out to find him Credit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd Cole's death triggered an outpouring of grief across the community. Hundreds of people were involved for the search for the teenager, with volunteer led searches carried out during the month-long search to find him. Last month, scores of people gathered for a vigil to remember Cole. Around 300 people attended the vigil in his home village of Banknock as his heartbroken family addressed the crowd. Just two days before the vigil, cops confirmed the body found during their search had been formally identified as Cole. His family have now revealed some details of his funeral and thanked everyone who was there for them during the search. Cole's aunt Aimee Tennie posted to a social media page that was set up to find Cole, paying tribute to her nephew. The family asked for one last showing of how loved Cole was and for people to wear something blue, which was his favourite colour. She said: "This journey has been incredibly difficult and there remain many unanswered questions. "We are deeply grateful for the continued support we have received from you all throughout this horrifying time. Mum of missing Scots teen Cole Cooper, 19, reveals living 'nightmare' in heartbreaking interview over his disappearance "We finally have a date that we can now lay our Cole to eternal rest. "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. Although incredibly heartbreaking 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. We want his funeral to celebrate his 19 years in this life time, to show his funny, charming, and loving personality. "We would appreciate if everyone could wear something blue to honour his favourite colour. "We would like to provide those with no transport a bus to the church from Bonnybridge, if you could either comment or private mail me so we have an estimate on numbers for this. "We ask you all in one last plea to demonstrate how loved our Cole was, so please join our family, everyone is welcome." Cole's funeral will be held on August 9 at St Joseph's Church in Bonnybridge before moving to Bannockburn Crematorium.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- The Independent
Police investigating death of Cole Cooper, 19, rule out third-party involvement
Police have said there is 'no evidence of third-party involvement' in the death of a teenager who vanished for four weeks. Cole Cooper, 19, was last seen by his family on May 2 or 3, and was reported missing by them on May 9. He was seen on CCTV on Sunday May 4 in Longcroft, Falkirk, at around 6am, and was also reported to have been seen by a witness on May 7, asking for a lift. On June 6, his body was found in a wooded area of Banknock, Falkirk, with police treating his death as 'unexplained'. His mother, Wendy Stewart, 42, told Sky News that she believed there was 'third-party involvement' in her son's death, and added that this may have been 'unintentionally'. She said that Mr Cooper had been 'arguing' with someone in the lead up to his disappearance. Ms Stewart said: 'Whether it be intentionally or unintentionally, I do believe there has been some involvement by a third party and the result is the death of Cole.' She said she believed there was a 'culprit' for Mr Cooper's disappearance and vowed to 'get justice'. Ms Stewart said: 'Finding the culprit and getting justice that way. Finding the person that is responsible for the death of my child.' Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: 'We are carrying out significant inquiries into Cole's death, however, at this time there is no evidence of any third-party involvement. 'It is vital that we establish the full circumstances leading up to Cole's death so that we can provide some answers to his family. 'The thoughts of everyone involved in this investigation are very much with his family and friends and officers will continue to offer them support and keep them informed as our inquiries progress.'
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Grieving mother believes 'third party' was involved in death of her 19-year-old son whose body was found following four-week hunt
The heartbroken mother of a Scottish teenager, who was missing for a month, believes a 'third party' was involved in her son's death. Nineteen-year-old Cole Cooper vanished on May 9, sparking a four-week major search which involved helicopters, divers and specialist teams to track him down. He was last spotted on CCTV five days before, trying to enter his father's home after a house party. After assessing 2,000 hours of CCTV footage and speaking to over 400 people, Police Scotland found the young man dead in a wooded area near Falkrik. Now his grieving mother Wendy Stewart, 42, believes there was 'third party' involvement in her son's death. In an interview with Sky News, the mourning parent said her teenage son had been in 'various arguments' in the days before he went missing. Speaking of her anguish of how she would never see her son, cuddle or hold his hand again, she said Cole was taken away from her 'far too son'. 'Whether it be intentionally or unintentionally, I do believe there has been some involvement by a third party and the result is the death of Cole,' she said. It comes after Cole's family organised a vigil for the 19-year-old last weekend, where they spoke of getting 'justice'. When Ms Stewart was asked the meaning behind this she said it was to find the person who 'is responsible for the death of [her] child'. Cole's death is currently being treated by unexplained, Police Scotland previously said. His aunt, Aimee Tennie, 32, also spoke of the family's general anger over how Cole's case was being managed by the force. Explaining how they were aware of arguments the teenager had before he vanished, Ms Tennie said the family wanted details 'thoroughly' re-assessed. His grieving mother also echoed similar concerns, claiming Police Scotland had handled her son's case 'shockingly'. The 42-year-old claimed she had to 'scream and shout from rooftops to be heard by the police'. She added: 'The police really need to take accountability and listen to families, they are reporting a missing child and understand the family knows their child best.' The 19-year-old's family have not been informed when his body will be released to them, so they can pay their final respects. In the wake of Cole's death, the family previously said they would continue to 'fight for the truth'. 'We never gave up, and we never will give up - not until we have the answers. The fight for truth, for justice, and for Cole is not over.' The family, who described Mr Cooper as their 'world' and said they were 'completely broken', thanked the local community for their assistance in the search for their missing boy. They added: 'To the incredible community and beyond, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. 'Your support through this horrendous experience has meant more than words can ever say. 'Every message, every shared post, every act of kindness - your generosity and compassion carried us through our darkest moments. We will never forget it'. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Enquiries remain ongoing.' MailOnline has approached the force for further comment.
Sky News
18-06-2025
- Sky News
Cole Cooper death: Grieving mum alleges 'third party' involved
The grieving mother of a Scottish teen who vanished for a month has told Sky News she believes a "third party" was involved in her son's death. Cole Cooper, 19, was discovered dead in woods near Falkirk earlier this month following a missing persons inquiry his relatives don't believe was taken seriously enough by police. He was last seen on CCTV in May after leaving a house party, but police later revealed a former school friend had spoken to Cole a few days later nearby. Speaking exclusively to Sky News, his mum Wendy Stewart, 42, has revealed her son had "various arguments" in the days and hours before he disappeared. In an emotional interview, she said: "He was only 19, he should never have been taken. I am never going to see him again. I never got a chance to give him a last cuddle and hold his hand. "Someone has taken that away from me far too soon. Whether it be intentionally or unintentionally, I do believe there has been some involvement by a third party and the result is the death of Cole." The family, who organised a local vigil in Cole's memory last weekend, have vowed to get "justice". Asked what that means, Ms Stewart told Sky News: "Finding the culprit and getting justice that way. Finding the person that is responsible for the death of my child." Police previously said 400 residents were spoken to during door-to-door enquiries and more than 2,000 hours of CCTV footage was collected. The 19-year-old's death is being treated as "unexplained". Cole's aunt Aimee Tennie, 32, revealed the family's anger over the police handling of the case as they attempt to find out what happened. She said: "We are aware of small details surrounding the weekend leading up to it with arguments. He had a few arguments over that weekend. We want the details re-examined thoroughly." Sky News put all of the family's concerns and allegations to Police Scotland. The force swerved our questions and responded saying: "Enquiries remain ongoing." Wendy Stewart claimed the probe has been handled "shockingly" with a failure to take her son's disappearance seriously. The 42-year-old said: "I have had to scream and shout from rooftops to be heard by the police. I don't think they have handled it well. "The police really need to take accountability and listen to families, they are reporting a missing child and understand the family knows their child best." Cole Cooper's loved ones still have not been told when his body will be released to allow them to lay him to rest.
Sky News
18-06-2025
- Sky News
Missing teen Cole Cooper: Grieving mum alleges 'third party' involved in death
The grieving mother of a Scottish teen who vanished for a month has told Sky News she believes a "third party" was involved in her son's death. Cole Cooper, 19, was discovered dead in woods near Falkirk earlier this month following a missing persons inquiry his relatives don't believe was taken seriously enough by police. He was last seen on CCTV in May after leaving a house party, but police later revealed a former school friend had spoken to Cole a few days later nearby. Speaking exclusively to Sky News, his mum Wendy Stewart, 42, has revealed her son had "various arguments" in the days and hours before he disappeared. In an emotional interview, she said: "He was only 19, he should never have been taken. I am never going to see him again. I never got a chance to give him a last cuddle and hold his hand. "Someone has taken that away from me far too soon. Whether it be intentionally or unintentionally, I do believe there has been some involvement by a third party and the result is the death of Cole." The family, who organised a local vigil in Cole's memory last weekend, have vowed to get "justice". Asked what that means, Ms Stewart told Sky News: "Finding the culprit and getting justice that way. Finding the person that is responsible for the death of my child." Police previously said 400 residents were spoken to during door-to-door enquires and more than 2,000 hours of CCTV footage was collected. The 19-year-old's death is being treated as "unexplained". Cole's aunt Aimee Tennie, 32, revealed the family's anger over the police handling of the case as they attempt to find out what happened. She said: "We are aware of small details surrounding the weekend leading up to it with arguments. He had a few arguments over that weekend. We want the details re-examined thoroughly." Sky News put all of the family's concerns and allegations to Police Scotland. The force swerved our questions and responded saying: "Enquiries remain ongoing." Wendy Stewart claimed the probe has been handled "shockingly" with a failure to take her son's disappearance seriously. The 42-year-old said: "I have had to scream and shout from rooftops to be heard by the police. I don't think they have handled it well. "The police really need to take accountability and listen to families, they are reporting a missing child and understand the family knows their child best." Cole Cooper's loved ones still have not been told when his body will be released to allow them to lay him to rest.
