Family pay tribute to ‘smiley’ Louise
THE devastated family of Louise Smith, whose body was found in woodland, yesterday paid tribute to the “smiley, generous” teenager.
The 16 year old vanished on May 8 – the 75th anniversary of VE Day – and a massive search was launched.
Her body was found on May 21, a mile and a half from where she was living in Havant, Hants.
Her cousin’s partner, Shane Mays, 29, has since been charged with her murder.
The cause of Louise’s death has not been revealed.
In their tribute, her family described the teenager as a lover of animals and the outdoors.
In a statement they said: “Louise was a typical 16-yearold girl, who enjoyed spending time with her friends.
“She loved animals and being outdoors. She will be remembered as a smiley, generous person who loved her family and was loved by all.”
They added: “Louise had beautiful blue eyes, a cheeky smile and was known for her kindness to others. She loved animals and had a sarcastic sense of humour.”
Louise had been staying with Mays and her cousin Cjay in the days before her death.
She was found in an area of woodland known as Havant Thicket.
A 29-year-old woman, who was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the investigation, has been released on bail.
Over the bank holiday, friends and family of Louise laid flowers at the entrance to Havant Thicket, with more than 100 bouquets laid at the entrance and tied to the gate.
Scores of purple balloons, believed to be Louise’s favourite colour, were also added to the tribute.
Police spent several days searching Mays’ flat in Havant and removed items for forensic analysis.
Louise was thought to have been a college student at the nearby South Downs College.
Mays, of Havant, appeared before Portsmouth magistrates last week and is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court today.