We will never get over the tragic way our Ben died
Family’s heartfelt tribute to their teenage son ahead of funeral
The family of teenager Ben Savage, who died after falling into the River Medway, have paid tribute to him publicly for the first time ahead of his funeral.
Speaking this week, his parents Tara and Martin have said they will never get over the tragic way he died.
The popular 18-year-old went missing on December 6 last year, after a night out at the Tap N Tin in Chatham.
Following an eight- week search, the body of the former Holmesdale School, Snodland, was found in the river, near to Rochester Bridge on February 1.
Ben had planned his first ‘boys’ holiday in Magaluf this summer and was going to start driving lessons.
His niece, Laila, was born three weeks before he went missing and the family were looking forward to sharing a special Christmas together.
Mrs Savage said: “Ben was overwhelmed by becoming an uncle. When he found out the that baby Laila had been born, the news immediately went on Facebook and his Instagram.
“Ben was looking forward to spending time with his niece and seeing her grow. It is heart-breaking knowing Laila will never meet her uncle Ben.”
The teenager loved cars and had completed a car repair course at MidKent College, Maidstone. He also loved music, films and going to the gym.
Mr Savage said: “Ben had the ability to make people feel comfortable.
“We have been told he was the ‘go-to man’ – if you had a problem, he would always say the right thing to make the situation better.
“We would describe Ben as a social butterfly – wherever he went he always made acquaintances. He had many friends.”
Mrs Savage added: “We will now never see Ben become part of a relationship and get married and maybe have a family of his own.
“As a family we will never get over Ben’s passing and the tragic way in which it happened.
“The support from family, friends, the multi-agencies that were involved in the search and the public has gone a long way to give us strength to continue.”