Paige’s family mourn Aaron
Murder girl’s cousin is hit by train and killed
A TRAGIC teenager who died after being hit by a train was a cousin of murdered Paige Doherty.
Aaron Keenan was found injured close to tracks at Kilpatrick railway station near Clydebank.
British Transport Police launched an
investigation into the circumstances of his death, which is being treated as “unexplained”.
Aaron, 19, was involved with amateur football side Duntocher Hibs, where his dad was a coach.
He is understood to have left a property near the station in Old Kilpatrick at 3am on Sunday.
He was was found near the tracks at around 8am and taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
It emerged yesterday that Aaron was the cousin of tragic Paige, who was murdered by shopkeeper John Leathem last March and dumped in woods in Clydebank.
Paige’s mum Pamela Munro changed her Facebook profile picture to an image of Aaron and Paige side by side.
Their friend Shannon McGarvey wrote on the Pout For Paige Facebook page: “Love and miss you loads little one.
“Now you’re reunited with your cousin Aaron I hope both of you are together now and looking over everyone and giving them the strength to push through this.
“Sending all my love and hugs up to you two angels. Rest in peace.”
Paige’s body was found two days after she failed to turn up at her hairdressing job.
Evil Leathem later pleaded guilty to murder and was originally sentenced to 27 years in prison for brutally killing her.
She was left with nearly 150 injuries, including 61 stab wounds, when the married father of two attacked her with a knife at his deli in the town.
But he launched an appeal against his jail term and it was reduced to 23 years.
Aaron’s family and friends paid their repects to the popular teenager after the weekend tragedy.
Heartbroken dad Paul, 49, said: “He was such a loving boy. With last month’s wage he just went out without saying anything and bought me the new Celtic top.
“I know it sounds like a cliche to say everybody loved him – but that was the case with Aaron.”
Aaron’s brother Chris, 21, wrote on Facebook he had “lost the bestest friend I ever had” while friends described him as a “true legend”.
Chris added: “Words can’t describe how much I’m heartbroken. I wish I could turn back time to tell you how much I loved you wee man.
“Fought like cat and dog but that’s what brothers do. I love you so much Aaron and hope you knew that. Rest in peace brother.”
Messages of support were sent to Aaron’s mum Gillian Connolly after she changed her profile picture to an image of him.
The Duntocher Hibs AFC Facebook page shared news of the teenager’s death on Sunday night. A post said: “Our very dear friend Aaron Keenan, the Waterbhoy, has been involved in the most tragic accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are now with our coach Paul and Gillian and all the Keenan family in their time of grief. “Rest in peace Aaron. YNWA.” Friends reacted with shock as they paid tribute to Aaron.
Daniel McAulay wrote: “Actual canny believe it man – life can be so cruel sometimes.
“God only takes the best. Far too young. RIP Aaron Keenan.”
Stuart Parker added: “Breaks my heart to write this, rest in peace Aaron Keenan, the best boy you could ever meet in your life.
“Never failed to put a smile on anyone’s face no matter what mood you are in.”
Drumchapel Colts tweeted: “Everyone at Drumchapel Colts would like to offer our thoughts and condolences to all at @ DHibsOfficial after the death of Aaron Keenan.”
Connor Boylan tweeted a photo of Aaron holding a medal saying: “A true @DHibsOfficial legend. Rest in peace wee man.”
Detective inspector Arlene Wilson of British Transport Police said officers were trying to piece together Aaron’s movements in the hours before his death.
She said: “A post mortem examination will be undertaken to establish the cause of death.
“I would be very keen to speak with anyone who was in the Kilpatrick area on Sunday morning who can help us establish what happened.
“Your information could prove vital in getting this family the answers they desperately seek.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 0800 40 50 40 or text on 61016.
Aaron’s friends had donated more than £1600 towards his funeral yesterday through a JustGiving page.