Glencoe deaths: Mum reveals she’s heartbroken after two bodies found in search for missing son & husband
A MUM whose 12-year-old son and husband went missing while hiking said she is “heartbroken” after two bodies were found.
Tom Parry, 49, and schoolboy Richie disappeared after visiting Glencoe for a walking trip.
They failed to return to their home in Alsager, Cheshire, as planned, sparking a mammoth search operation.
Tragically, police revealed today that two bodies have been found.
Speaking at the family home, Gemma Parry, Richie’s mum and Tom’s wife, said: “I've not heard anything more.”
She added: “I'm doing the best I can. I'm heartbroken.”
Experienced hikers Tom and Richie had been walking Glen Nevis and Glencoe on Tuesday.
Their car was discovered in the Three Sisters car park nearby, before police called off the search on Wednesday evening when two bodies were found.
The area was hit by thundery downpours this week, with a Met Office yellow "be aware" warning for storms put in place on Monday.
One fellow walker claimed she had seen Tom and his son at the summit of Ben Nevis and they had been “proud” to make it to the top.
Most read in The Scottish Sun
She wrote: “Me and my family met them when we walked up Ben Nevis. They were so proud they made it to the top.
“Heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.”
Tom’s close friend, who said he first met him when the pair were at primary school together in Ipswich, asked for prayers for Gemma and the rest of the family.
Bart Seaton-Said, who now lives in Brisbane, posted on Facebook: “Tom was in so many ways a heroic soul.
“He was loyal and sensitive to others and faced obstacles with fortitude. This world is the less for his passing.”
Tom and Richie are yet to be formally identified but their devastated family are being supported by officers.
Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing but there are no suspicious circumstances.
Inspector Craig Johnstone, from Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts are with all those involved. I would like to thank all emergency services and Mountain Rescue volunteers.”
Tom worked as a market researcher and Richie was a keen footballer, who had recently joined AFC Alsager U13s team.
Friends and neighbours of the father and son gathered at an Anglican church in their home town today.
A spokesman for St Mary Magdalene Alsager wrote on social media: 'We are hearing the tragic news this morning regarding the heartbreaking deaths of Tom and Richie Parry.
'We at St Mary’s offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to all their family, friends, and neighbours, and for all who are now coming to terms with this shocking and devastating news.
'St Mary’s Church will continue to be open, as it is everyday, for anyone who wishes to come in and peacefully hold Tom, Richie, and all their family, in their thoughts and prayers.'
Claire McLaughlin, a resident of Alsager, commented: “This is so sad.
'My twins shared the same classes at school and are so upset.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Tom Parry attended the Ipswich School, an independent boarding and day school, in Suffolk before studying for an MA in Classics at the University of St Andrews between 1992 and 1996.
His LinkedIn page described him as a “specialist business researcher providing evidence for growing businesses”.
