Heartbroken sister sends a plea after canal tragedy
THE sister of a young Maryhill man who was found dead on Thursday has urged people to ‘hold their loved ones close’.
Thomas Keenan was last seen on November 21, when he was captured on CCTV in a distressed state outside the Esso Service Station on Maryhill Road.
A frantic search was launched to find the 21-year-old who was wearing just shorts and a t-shirt when he disappeared.
As Christmas approached, his family appealed to him directly on social media to come home.
Police confirmed on Thursday that his body had been recovered from the Clyde and Forth Canal, six weeks since his disappearance.
Thomas’ sister Bernadette Keenan, who gave birth to his niece in December, paid tribute to him on Facebook.
She wrote: “Hold your loved ones close and make sure they know you love them.
“Well, in the 21 years you where with us you certainly lived your life to the full, you made a life for yourself, you will be missed by many, especially me, Mum and even though Charlotte didn’t have the chance of meeting, you she is fully aware of how amazing her uncle was.
“I love you so much and just hope you are happy now.
“Rest in peace Thomas. The best brother I could’ve had.”
Hundreds of tributes were paid to the popular young man following the news of his death on Thursday.
Shona Clucas described him as a “lovely person” who will be sadly missed.
Alicia Mckenzie wrote: “The saddest news tonight about Thomas Keenan, far too young! Will never forget such a kind soul from taking him under our wing at TITP to dragging him along to my 17th birthday. Made it seem easy to be friends with everyone!
“It was a pleasure to share and treasure some of the funniest times, may you rest in peace wee titp tam.”
Kara Fordyce added: “Hope you’re partying hard up there Thomas! Didn’t even know him that well at all but the news about him passing away has really gotten to me, we were the same age and it just goes to show how quickly your life can be taken from you. Appreciate everything and everyone in your life.”