Cole Cooper’s family held a touching vigil today after Police previously confirmed that the body discovered near Kilsyth Road was the teen.
21:53, 15 Jun 2025Updated 21:54, 15 Jun 2025
Cole Cooper (Image: Police Scotland)
The family of Cole Cooper has paid a touching tribute to “one of the most loving and caring boys there was” in an emotional vigil following his death.
On Sunday May 4, Cole, from Banknock, vanished in the Longcroft area. After several sightings and a massive search for the 19-year-old, a body was discovered near Kilsyth Road in Falkirk on Friday, June 6.
Police Scotland are treating the death as unexplained. On Sunday, June 15, a vigil was held in his memory in the grounds of Glenskirlie Castle and Hotel in Banknock as an opportunity to “remember, commemorate, and celebrate” Cole.
Joining mourners in attendance were his mother Wendy Stewart, auntie Amie Tennie, big brother Connor Cooper, his grandmother and little sister Cassia.
Cole Cooper’s aunty Aimee Tennie speaking at a vigil(Image: PA)
His family gave heartbreaking tributes to Cole. His auntie Aimee opened the vigil, she said: “This little boy wanted nothing more than to have a family of his own and for his business to thrive.
“This breaks my heart into one million pieces. I wanted so badly for all of your wishes to come true Cole. This is the part I’ll struggle to get over the most.
“You are the most handsome, caring and loving boy. We hope you are happy wherever you are.
Cole Cooper(Image: Supplied)
“We are absolutely broken as a family. It didn’t seem real. I don’t want to say goodbye to you so instead I’ll say, ‘When we meet again’.”
Cole’s older brother Connor remembered happy memories of wrestling each other as children as he promised to fight for justice following Cole’s death.
He said: “I want you all to know Cole the way that I knew and loved him. He was one of the most loving and caring boys there was.
“There are so many memories that I could share of Cole from growing up. He would never fail in making me laugh. One of my last phone calls with Cole summed him up perfectly. It started off with him needing help with invoices, to ending with him wanting to sue the taxman.
“I have had a wonderful 19 years of being your older brother. The next handful of years aren’t going to be easy without you by my side. We will never forget you.
“As a family we will continue to demand for answers and get justice for you.
Cole Cooper’s mother Wendy Stewart, (right), is comforted at a vigil at the Glenskirly Hotel(Image: PA)
“I hope you are at peace now, watching over us and guiding us when we need it the most. I hope you haven’t been barred from a few pubs up there because I know when our time comes you owe us a couple of rounds.
“Hold your loved ones close and don’t go to sleep on petty arguments because it isn’t worth it.”
Cole Cooper(Image: UGC)
Cassia, Cole’s younger sister, cried as she said: “We will all miss you so much. You will never be forgotten. I’ll never forget your silly laugh that always warmed me up.
“Your hugs felt so different and special. Sometimes when you’d come in my room when I was crying, after you left I would always laughing. I love you so much and it will be a different place without you.”
Cole’s nana finished the speeches by saying: “Heaven’s doors have opened for our Cole. One day they will open for me. I will see my Cole at the gate with his big smile saying, ‘What kept you nana?’. I will never forget you.”
Cole Cooper’s mother Wendy Stewart holds a flare at the vigil(Image: PA)
On the morning of the day he disappeared on May 4, Cole was captured on alarming ring doorbell footage running past houses. He was then filmed trying to access his father’s house unsuccessfully. He was reported missing on Friday, May 9.
Police confirmed a further sighting of Cole days later on May 7 on the A803 near Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft. He reportedly asked a school friend for a lift, which he was not given.
Police this week confirmed they had spoken to more than 400 people during door-to-door inquiries and had poured over 2,000 hours of CCTV footage.
The vigil was very emotional for those in attendance(Image: PA)
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick previously said: “My thoughts are with Cole’s family and friends at this time and officers will continue to offer them support.
“As our enquiries progress, we are ensuring the family is kept informed with all aspects of the investigation.
“A dedicated team of detectives is working to piece together Cole’s movements leading up to his death.
“Again, I would urge people to think back and please contact police with any information, no matter how small it might seem.”
Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident number 828 of Friday, 9 May, 2025.
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