Local

Bodies found in search of missing father and son

Lina PortmanMay 31, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Image source, Police Scotland

May 30, 2024, 08:39 BST

Updated 1 hour ago

Two bodies have been found during a search in Glen Coe for a missing father and son from Cheshire.

Police said formal identification had not yet taken place, but the family of Tom Parry, 49, and his son Richie, 12, from the town of Alsager, had been informed.

The Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team described the father and son as experienced hikers and said they had climbed Ben Nevis the day before.

Police Scotland said inquiries were ongoing but there were no apparent suspicious circumstances. Inspector Craig Johnstone said: “Our thoughts are with everyone involved. I would like to thank all the emergency services and mountain rescue volunteers.”

Image source, Glencoe MRT

Legend, The Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team said training of volunteer first aiders in the area helped with the search.

Around 45 mountain rescue volunteers were involved in the search for Mr Parry and his son.

This included 15 members of the Glencoe team, as well as members of the neighboring Lochaber team and mountain rescuers from Keswick, Langdale Ambleside and Cockermouth who were training in the area.

A coastguard helicopter from Prestwick, Ayrshire, was also involved.

The Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team said the bodies were found by teams on foot.

A spokesperson said: “As has been reported, the bodies have not yet been identified but the family of Tom and Richie Parry have been informed.

“We are deeply saddened by this outcome and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Parry family at this time.”

Legend, Senate group chief executive Paul Keeling said Mr Parry was meticulous in his work and had an interest in hiking.

Mr. Parry was an incident manager/controller working nights at security and risk company The Senate Group.

Chief executive Paul Keeling said staff were in shock and many had offered to travel to Scotland to help with the search.

Mr Keeling said their “hearts go out to” Mr Parry’s wife, Gemma, and their other son, Joe.

He said: “Tom was a key member of our team. He was more than just a colleague – I really want to emphasize that the loss to us is nothing short of immense.

“Tom was dedicated to Richie and Joe. His heart was his children.”

Mr Keeling said Mr Parry's interest in hiking was well known within the company, adding he would plan his walks meticulously.

Richie had recently joined the new AFC Alsager under-13 football team.

Mr Parry and his son were due to return home on Wednesday after visiting Glen Nevis and Glen Coe during a trip to the Scottish Highlands.

This area has been hit by thundery showers this week, with a Met Office yellow 'beware' warning for thunderstorms put in place on Monday.

Police confirmed their car was found in the Three Sisters car park in Glen Coe, where they left from on Tuesday.

The landscape and history of Glen Coe attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Legend, St. Mary's Church in Alsager provided support to the local community

St Mary's Church in Alsager said its prayers were with the Parry family and their friends and neighbors after what is described as “shocking and devastating news”.

In a social media post, the church said: “St Mary's Church will continue to be open, as it is every day, to anyone who wishes to come in and peacefully hold Tom, Richie and all their family in their thoughts and prayers.”

The Municipality of Alasger offered its support and deepest sympathies to the family and their friends.