STV NewsThe family of a missing teenager have said “they can’t wake up from living nightmare” after a body was discovered in a wooded area.
Cole Cooper was reported missing on May 9 and was last seen in the Longcraft area near Falkirk.
A man’s body was discovered in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock at around 4.15pm on Friday, just over a 15 minutes walk away from the last confirmed sighting of the 19-year-old.
In a statement on Facebook, his aunt Aimee Tennie said the teenagers family has been left “completely broken”.
The post, on behalf of the family who have asked for privacy, read: “Cole. Our boy. We fought for you for almost five weeks.
“Why? How? So many questions… and still, no answers.
“With shattered hearts, we share the devastating news that our beloved Cole, who was missing, has been found — but not in the way we hoped or prayed for. Our worst fears have become reality, and we are now living a nightmare we can’t wake up from.
“We never gave up, and we will never give up — not until we have the answers. The fight for truth, for justice, and for Cole is not over.
“Cole, you were our world—and now our world will never be the same.
“Your life was only just beginning. The world didn’t get to know the light you carried, but we did—and we will carry it with us, always.
“To the incredible community and beyond, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.
“Your support through this horrendous experience has meant more than words can ever say. Every message, every shared post, every act of kindness—your generosity and compassion carried us through our darkest moments. We will never forget it.”
The family asked those who had aided their search to join a vigil for the teenager “to honour him the way he deserved”. Details are expected to be confirmed at a later date.
The statement added: “As a family, we are completely broken by this news so we would appreciate privacy at this time. Cole, we love you”.
Specialist search teams, including a police helicopter, drones, and officers from the dive and marine unit, had been involved in the search for the teenager.
Police had put temporary airspace restrictions in place near Falkirk after a body was found on Friday.
A spokesperson said: “Around 4.15pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, the body of a man was discovered in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock.
“Formal identification has yet to take place however the family of missing man Cole Cooper, 19, has been informed.
“Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
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