Family mourns death of 'cheerful and smiling son'

Andrew Read was last seen by his mum Mary when she dropped him off outside the Old Rectifying House pub in Worcester at 10.30pm on November 13.

The 17-year-old, known to his friends as Reedy, did not contact his friends or family again. His body was found in the River Severn near the Ketch pub at Worcester last Thursday.

Mrs Read said: "Andrew was a very intelligent boy who had many good ideas. He was very loyal to his friends. He enjoyed dance music and in particular DJ-ing. He also read widely and enjoyed drama.

"He did not always show his thoughts and feelings but had an outward face of always being cheerful and smiling.

"Obviously we are devastated by his death and find it hard to believe that we will not see him again on this earth, but look forward to the day when we meet him again."

During an earlier appeal for information by Mrs Read, she said Andrew, a student at Pershore High School, had endured a tough time over the past few months. His father, the Rev Ian Read, rector of Stoulton with Drakes Broughton and Pirton and Norton, died while on holiday in August and a close friend died in a car crash in September.

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby also sent his condolences to the family.

He said: "Andrew Read's death is one of those events that makes the diocese feel like an extended family and however well or little we knew Andrew all of us, who are part of the Diocese of Worcester, can only be deeply moved by the terrible events which have afflicted Mary Read and her family this year.

"She and her family will certainly be remembered in our prayers, especially during this season. We particularly identify with them in the added grief in not knowing how Andrew came to die."

Funeral details have not yet been announced.

An inquest into Andrew's death was held in Stourbridge on Tuesday. Coroner Mr Victor Round recorded an open verdict.