We MAY neVeR SoLVe oWen’S deAtH RIddLe
Police call off probe over teen but cause of tragedy remains a mystery
A PROBE into the death of a teenager yards from his school has been wound up, even though the cause of the tragedy remains a mystery.
Owen MacDonald, 16, was found on grassland next to Park Mains High in Erskine, Renfrewshire, in the early hours of April 30.
An updated death certificate issued in recent weeks has described the cause as “unascertained”.
Despite this, a police investigation into Owen’s death has been brought to a close.
A source said: “It is a shame for the family. They are being left without answers.
“Owen was a lovely young man. He would have done anything for you, just a good guy who should have had a long life ahead of him.
“You would have hoped the death certificate could have confirmed something but it hasn’t.
“The police investigation is over and so there is just nothing his family can do to move on.”
Police were called to two separate disturbances in the hours before Owen’s body was found.
At 9.45pm, officers received a report of an incident in the town’s Barrhill Road.
Then 40 minutes later, there was another report of a disturbance beside Park Mains High – the area where Owen’s body was found at about 5.40am the next morning.
At the time of the tragedy, the Record spoke to several residents who reported a gang of youths from another area had clashed with local teenagers.
But police have insisted there is no link between these incidents and Owen’s unexplained death.
A Crown Office spokesman confirmed the investigation into the incident was over.
He said: “The Procurator Fiscal received a report in connection with the death of a 16-year-old boy in Erskine on April 30, 2017.
“The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, has now concluded.
“After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the Procurator Fiscal concluded no further investigation is required.
“The nearest relatives have been advised of the results of our investigation.”
Heartbroken classmates of Owen joined forces to raise money for his family after his death.
Fifth year pupils from Park Mains High collected more than £4000 – smashing their initial target of £3500.
A JustGiving appeal said: “We’re raising £3500 in memory of Owen MacDonald.
“Fifth year pupils have decided to set up the page. All money raised will go towards his family.”