Mum in tribute to 'one-of-a-kind' son who died after getting into difficulty in Lochindorb

The mum of a boy who died after getting into difficulty in a Highland loch says his death has left a “massive hole” in the family’s heart.

Emergency services were called to Lochindorb near Grantown-on-Spey at around 5pm on Thursday following reports of a person in difficulty in the water.

Searches continued before the body of a 17-year-old, named locally as Oakley Coveney, was pulled from the water on Friday morning.

The teenager’s mum, Chantelle, has paid tribute to her son, who “disappeared under the water and never returned” while enjoying the sunshine with friends.

Posting on social media, she said: “I am so proud of the man you were becoming. After a s*** year at school last year, you decided to stay on, keep your head down, concentrate on your education and excel.

“You were eager to start working once study leave began, to save for driving lessons and a car. It breaks me that you won’t get the chance to do that now.

“I already miss everything that you did to annoy me, whether intentionally or not. I miss you not bringing your plates down, not tidying your room, throwing balls around the living room and above all, taking the p** out of me.

“You were the funniest person I knew. Always making me laugh, even when I was mad at you for something.

“You were so loved by everyone that was close to you. One of a kind.”

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

‘Terrible tragedy’

Kathleen Robertson, Moray Council leader, said the death was a “terrible tragedy” and thanked emergency services following the “harrowing” incident.

Speaking on Friday, she said: “It’s a terrible tragedy, and on behalf of the council and the local community, I want to express my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the emergency services who’ve obviously had a very harrowing experience over the last few hours.”

The local authority is offering support to Forres Academy in the wake of the incident.