Cole Cooper's family say ‘they can't wake up from living nightmare' after teen's tragic death
FAMILY'S AGONY Cole Cooper's family say 'they can't wake up from living nightmare' after teen's tragic death
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COLE Cooper's heartbroken family are "now living a nightmare" they "can't wake up from" following the teen's tragic death.
On Friday at around 4.15pm, a body was found during the search for the missing 19-year-old who disappeared from Banknock, near Falkirk, at the start of last month.
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A body was found in the search for missing teen Cole Cooper on Friday
Credit: Police Scotland
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His family have now confirmed that Cole was found
Credit: Police Scotland
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Emergency crews scrambled to woods in Banknock near Kilsyth Road
Credit: Michael Schofield
Cole's family were made aware of the discovery in the woods in Banknock near Kilsyth Road in the village.
The desperate search to find the missing teen had gone on for over four weeks.
His family have now broken their silence to confirm Cole had been found.
In a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook, his auntie Aimee Tennie said the family's "worst fears have become reality".
And said they never gave up hope during the search.
The post, on behalf of the family, read: "Cole. Our boy. We fought for you for almost five weeks.
"Why? How? So many questions… and still, no answers.
"With shattered hearts, we share the devastating news that our beloved Cole, who was missing, has been found but not in the way we hoped or prayed for.
"Our worst fears have become reality and we are now living a nightmare we can't wake up from.
"We never gave up, and we will never give up, not until we have the answers. The fight for truth, for justice, and for Cole is not over.
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"Cole, you were our world — and now our world will never be the same.
"Your life was only just beginning. The world didn't get to know the light you carried, but we did and we will carry it with us, always."
Aimee then thanked the community for all their support and invited them to a vigil which will be held for Cole.
She added: "To the incredible community and beyond, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.
"Your support through this horrendous experience has meant more than words can ever say. Every message, every shared post, every act of kindness — your generosity and compassion carried us through our darkest moments. We will never forget it.
"We would like to invite you all to a vigil for Cole, this is important for us to tell Cole about you all. About everyone who supported, loved and cared for him.
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Missing person posters were put up around the area during the search
Credit: PA
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Cops revealed they had scoured over 2,000 hours of CCTV to find him
Credit: Michael Schofield
"He didn't deserve any of this. But the least we can do as a family is honour him the way he deserved. We will post details at a later date.
"As a family we are completely broken by this news so we would appreciate privacy at this time. Cole, we love you."
A major search was launched to find Cole, with specialist units, drones, divers and helicopters all called in.
Dedicated officers were assigned to lead the hunt for Cole as his devastated family pled for answers.
Cops revealed they had scoured over 2,000 hours of CCTV to find him.
Hundreds of volunteers had even came out to help the family search the area where he went missing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Friday: "Around 4.15pm on Friday, 6 June, 2025, the body of a man was discovered in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock.
"Formal identification has yet to take place however the family of missing man Cole Cooper, 19, has been informed.
"Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances."
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