Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Tributes for Sean
Parents tell of anguish after son’s body is found in loch
The parents of Coatbridge man Sean McKenna have told of their “colossal loss” after their son’s body was found.
James and Lorraine McKenna also spoke of the “fantastic legacy” left by the local community’s tireless efforts to bring their missing son home and subsequent support in their grief as around 1000 people paid tribute to Sean at a candlelit vigil. Police found his body last Thursday night.
The heartbroken parents of Sean McKenna have hailed the Coatbridge community for its support and kindness after the body of their “brilliant boy” was discovered.
An intensive near three-week search for Townhead man Sean came to a tragic end last Thursday night when police found his body at Woodend Loch.
Around 1000 people attended a candlelit vigil in memory of the 24-year-old on Sunday evening, walking from the La Ronde pub to St Bartholomew’s Church.
Sean’s young nieces, Ellie, Nicole and Abbie, carried cards and candles and tributes have been left outside the family home.
This show of support has helped Sean’s parents, James and Lorraine, cope with their devastating loss and the couple were keen to thank everyone for their kindness.
James told the Advertiser: “Sean was a very popular boy who always had a big smile on his face; no-one had a bad word to say about him.
“Since his body was found it has been very difficult, and if it wasn’t for the support of those around us, it would’ve been ten times harder.
“The community was absolutely superb in the search for Sean. We even had people from as far afield as Glasgow and Hamilton helping.”
Speaking about Sunday’s vigil, James continued: “It was overwhelming to see the turn out; it just shows you how much Sean was loved.
“We started at the La Ronde pub, which had acted as a base during the search; the staff were brilliant, printing posters and leaflets and organising things.
“There were lots of candles lit and it was a beautiful memorial.
“We’d like to thank Lisa McGinty, who was a mainstay of the search, Sean’s girlfriend Lisa Coyle and Inspector Louise Brownlie of Coatbridge police for all their invaluable support.
“Our living room is full of flowers and cards and our neighbours have been looking after us.
“The whole community pulled together to search for Sean, and now to support us in our grief. It’s left a fantastic legacy that we’ll be forever grateful for.”
Sean, the youngest of James and Lorraine’s four children, had not been seen since October 10 when he left a friend’s house and sent a text message to his parents.
Locals rallied round by taking part in searches and the family of X Factor singer Ryan Lawrie – also from Coatbridge – even took the appeal to a national television audience when Ryan’s sister Samantha was shown wearing a T-shirt bearing Sean’s face, alongside host Dermot O’Leary.
Because of the overwhelming support the family have received, James is anticipating a large turnout for Sean’s funeral – likely to take place this Saturday.
He said: “The service will be at St Bartholomew’s Chapel, then on to Coltswood Cemetery before finishing up at the La Ronde pub.
“There are buses of people coming from Glasgow and a lot of lads who played football with Sean will be there.
“It will be an emotional day but the turnout will reflect how highly Sean was thought of.
“We’ve heard a lot of stories from people about him, including one from a woman who said Sean often saw her coming off a bus with her shopping and would always go and help her with her bags.
“These stories are very comforting and we will always be very proud of Sean.
“He is a colossal loss as he was a brilliant boy and a lovely human being who will never be forgotten.”
A police spokesperson confirmed Sean’s death was not being treated as suspicious and a full report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.
Friends have set up a crowdfunding page to help Sean’s family. It can be found by entering “Sean McKenna” in the search window at www.justgiving.com