Cole Cooper’s family have spoken out for the first time after a body was discovered in Banknock on Friday afternoon.
The shattered family of Cole Cooper say their “worst fears have become reality” after sharing the devastating news that a body found in the search for the missing teenager has been confirmed as the 19-year-old.
Cole’s loved ones were made aware of the discovery in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock, Falkirk, at around 4.15pm on Friday, after a desperate five-week search.
Police said at the time that formal identification was yet to take place but his family spoke for the first time on Sunday to confirm Cole had been found.
His devastated auntie Aimee Tennie, speaking on behalf of Cole’s family, posted an emotional tribute on social media, writing: “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.”
Aimee said the family never gave up hope during the search and have vowed to continue seeking justice and answers.
She wrote: “Cole. Our boy. We fought for you for almost five weeks. Why? How? So many questions… and still, no answers.
“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.”
Aimee continued: “The world didn’t get to know the light you carried, but we did—and we will carry it with us, always.”
Cole, from Banknockwas last seen on May 7 on the A803 near Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft, when he asked a school friend for a lift, which he was not given.
Prior to that, he was captured on alarming ring doorbell footage on the morning of Sunday, May 4, at around 6am in the Longcroft area. He was filmed trying to access his father’s house unsuccessfully.
He was reported missing on Friday, May 9.
More than 400 people were spoken to during door-to-door inquirieswhile over 2,000 hours of CCTV were reviewed.
Police previously treated the case as a missing person investigation rather than a criminal inquiry. They still haven’t released a formal statement confirming the body found on Friday is Cole.
His family also paid tribute to the community who stood by them during the agonising search. A vigil is being planned in Cole’s honour, with the family saying they want to tell him about the outpouring of love he inspired.
Aimee said: “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.
“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.”
They have also asked for privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
Aimee said: “As a family we are completely broken by this news so we would appreciate privacy at this time.”
