Mum pays tribute to 17-year-old son who died in Highland loch tragedy

A heartbroken mum says a her teenage son was "one of a kind' after he tragically lost his life at a loch last week.

Oakley Coveney, from Forres, got into difficulty at Lochindorb near Grantown-On-Spey last Thursday.

Emergency services were called out to the scene, the 17-year-old's body was recovered the following morning.

His mum, Chantelle, said Oakley was "so loved by everyone" close to him and his "cheeky smile" will be with them forever.

'Oakley has left a hole in all our lives'

Speaking directly to our news team, Chantelle thanked search and rescue personnel involved in the incident.

She said: "Oakley has left a hole in all of our lives.

"I’m glad his last day was filled with fun and laughter, doing what he loved, being with his friends.

"His cheeky smile will be with us all forever.

"I also want to say a big thank you to the search and rescue teams involved in the search.

"Without them I wouldn’t be able to bring my boy to rest."

In a social media post which included a picture of him at Lochindorb on a paddleboard, the same one at the top of this article, Chantelle outlined how she was "so proud" of the man Oakley was becoming.

She said: "Words can’t begin to describe the massive hole that has been left in our hearts. 17 years old with your whole life ahead of you.

"I have been told that this photo of you was taken a mere 20 minutes before you disappeared under the water and never returned.

"I can’t get out my head how scared you must of been in those final moments. It’s gut wrenching, it’s heartbreaking and tears me inside out.

"I have to keep trying to turn my mind to you in this photo. Happy, care free, having the best day in the sunshine with your friends.

"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 piss 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.

"I have no idea how I’m meant to deal with the tragedy of losing you. It still doesn’t seem real. I will always be waiting for that ‘can I get £5 plz’ text you sent to me almost every day.

"You will forever be remembered my boy. Sleep tight Oakley"