Anguish of park death teen Rhiann
STRUGGLING? IT’S OK TO TALK ‘Hard-working and conscientious’ pupil had posted disturbing messages on social media
IF YOU think a friend, colleague or family member may be struggling, The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123 or you can visit your local branch.
You can also call Scottish charity SAMH for advice on mental health on 0141 530 1000. discovered in a park in Irvine at 11.45am on Monday.
Rhiann, a pupil at St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats, is understood to have taken her own life, although police are treating the death as “unexplained”.
The teenager’s dad Alex, 33, mum Lorraine, 32, and eightyear-old brother were being comforted by family and friends yesterday.
Rhiann’s step-grandmother Cass Milne last night paid tribute to her.
She said: “She was a beautiful, beautiful girl and she will be very sadly missed.
“We are all devastated at the moment and just trying to come to terms with what has happened.
“Everything is too raw at the moment for us to comment further.
“We are just struggling to take it all in.”
Police were still at the scene last night, which has been cordoned off since Rhiann’s body was discovered.
Locals who knew the youngster have also been paying tribute and have been describing their shock.
One neighbour said: “My daughter was friends with her and she is just absolutely devastated at the news. “It is an utter tragedy. “We are all in shock and obviously our hearts go out to her family.
“I can’t imagine what they are going through at the moment.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “We are extremely saddened by the tragic death of a hard-working and conscientious pupil. Our immediate thoughts are with the family.
“We shall ensure that we reach out to our school communities to provide support and counselling to pupils and staff who wish it.”
A police spokesman said: “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 14-year-old girl found dead within Bourtreehill Park at around 11.45am on Monday.
“The death is being treated as unexplained.
“It is anticipated that a post-mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”