PRANKSTER programmes such as American TV show Jackass could have led to a teenage boy's death, his parents fear.

Scott Rice, aged 14, a pupil of Worcester's Riversides Special School, was found hanging from his bed at his home in Wren Avenue, Malvern.

His parents Robin, aged 46, and Carrie, aged 36, believe his death was a stunt that went tragically wrong.

"He was always doing crazy things like tumbling down hills in bins," said Mr Rice. "He'd watch programmes such as Jackass where they do stupid things like that.

"You try and tell them to be careful, but they don't listen.

"I keep asking, what went wrong? But he's the only one with the answers."

Mrs Rice said: "This is such a tragedy. Scott is probably kicking himself in heaven right now."

The Rice family are desperately struggling to come to terms with their son's death on Wednesday, June 1.

They have taken some comfort in a poignant letter of condolence from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Scott - who played for Malvern Wanderers under-15s team, was a keen kick-boxer and member of the Army Cadets - was a keen United fan and was buried in his favourite team's shirt, along with the letter.

Hundreds attended his funeral on Tuesday, June 14, dressed in United England shirts as a sign of respect.

'I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. This is every parent's hellish nightmare coming true'

ROBIN Rice leans against his front door, staring blankly up to the sky, sadness etched in the lines of his face as he struggles to come to terms with his teenage son's tragic death.

Meanwhile, indoors, 14-year-old Scott's mum, Carrie is chattering away, but the pain of her son's death is agonisingly clear.

A large framed photo of Scott takes pride of place on the fireplace, and scores of sympathy cards line the wooden table that was so lovingly crafted by the teenager at school.

Carrie's concerned her 16-year-old daughter, Stacey is struggling to cope. After all, it was she who made the grim discovery of finding her brother hanging from his cabin bed in his room on Wednesday, June 1.

The Rice family can never be entirely sure what happened to Scott that night, but one thing they are adamant about is that they are convinced he never meant to take his own life.

"He was fine, he went off with his friends that day and came back at about 7pm and sat eating sausage and chips," said Carrie, aged 36, of Wren Avenue.

Scott then went to his girlfriend's, leaving at around 9.25pm. But the 10-minute journey home took 25 minutes longer than usual.

Once home, he disappeared into the shed, something very unlike him," says Carrie.

"I went to speak to him about why some eggs were missing from the fridge, and he got angry, asking why people always blamed him for everything.

"In hindsight, it was totally out of character. We don't know what happened in those extra 25 minutes it took him to get home, if someone did or said anything to him."

Despite 46-year-old Robin's attempt at mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and efforts by paramedics, Scott was pronounced dead at Worcestershire Royal Hospital an hour after he was found.

"As a mother this is totally unimaginable," said Carrie. "Robin's not dealing with it at all so I'm trying to be strong for everyone else.

"But I know I'll fall like a ton of bricks at some point." Scott's death is also taking a huge toll on his other siblings, Daniel, aged 19 and Bradley, 11.

"Bradley knows Scott's gone, but can't understand how he's got from here to that big star at night that winks down on him," said Carrie.

Robin added: "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. This is every parent's hellish nightmare come true."

'Loveable, cheeky lad who will never be forgotten'

FAMILY FRIEND SAM LAWRENCE PAID THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE AT SCOTT'S FUNERAL

"Scott had a fantastic character, he was headstrong, knew exactly what he wanted.

"But he was also sensitive and caring, he wasn't ashamed to cry.

"He didn't like to hurt anyone and if he knew he'd upset someone he cared about, you could guarantee he would get upset too.

"He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help.

"He had those puppy-dog eyes and a smile that would melt your heart and he knew it meant he could get away with almost anything.

"We will all miss him terribly and I'm sure he will always have a very special place in all our hearts.

"He wouldn't want us to dwell on this terrible thing that has happened. He would want us to move on, be happy and remember him for who he was - a loveable, cheeky lad who will never be forgotten."

FAMILY FRIEND SAM LAWRENCE PAID THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE AT SCOTT'S FUNERAL

"Scott had a fantastic character, he was headstrong, knew exactly what he wanted.

"But he was also sensitive and caring, he wasn't ashamed to cry.

"He didn't like to hurt anyone and if he knew he'd upset someone he cared about, you could guarantee he would get upset too.

"He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help.

"He had those puppy-dog eyes and a smile that would melt your heart and he knew it meant he could get away with almost anything.

"We will all miss him terribly and I'm sure he will always have a very special place in all our hearts.

"He wouldn't want us to dwell on this terrible thing that has happened. He would want us to move on, be happy and remember him for who he was - a loveable, cheeky lad who will never be forgotten."