General Chat

Oh Liz, how sad for the family. As you say why is it always the good ones? Do they have any idea what happened, could he have slipped on his own or was he maybe pushed? I don't suppose they will ever know. My thoughts are for the family.

ann
Glos

Thoughts and prayers for the family.
RIP Gary
Mary xx

My sincere condolences to the family of Gary. Prayers and thoughts for them

RIP Gary.

Tina x

I think I remember hearing this in the news Liz.

I hope this will bring some closure to his family & friends.

RIP Gary.

Shirley-ann .

I don't suppose they will ever really know, there may be more information to come later. It could have been that Gary got involved with a gang of others who tried to steal money or his phone, or he could have just gone too close to the edge, who knows? The divers were searching further up that stretch of river a few days ago, and then his body was found further along the river, there is a current in that part. I hope his end was quick, that he didn't realise what had happened and so was not frightened. I know when Paul B. died, he was trying to swim towards the people on the bank, but the river level was unusually high that night and it was so cold, he didn't stand a chance despite being a strong swimmer. His sister said the first thing she asked the police was, Were his flies undone? as it would have explained if he had gone to use the river as a loo,but no one noticed as his clothes had been cut off him to help with trying to resuscitate him etc.

At least now Gary's family can begin to mourn him but oh, what a loss and another family devastated by a moment in time.

Lizx

Today is the day of Gary's funeral, at 3pm.

I spoke to Gary's Mum last week and she has asked me to contact her again next week to see if there is anything further we can do to make things safer by the river.
Personally, I feel it would be better to try and get the youngsters to realise the dangers of being out and about late at night, drunk and alone, by the river, and also to try and push for more cctv cameras there. Maybe if we can get the local college or Gary's old school, coincidentally the one Paul worked at for a while, to help make a video or something that could be sent round all schools and youth clubs, it might help.
The family are asking for flowers or donations to the YMCA or the SOS bus, an innovative scheme started in Norwich where some nights a week, usually Fridays and Saturdays, there is a special bus with firstaiders and other volunteers there, to help any people in trouble on the streets at night. It is well known where the bus is parked so that people can get to the bus for help of all kinds. Other towns and cities are copying the idea. It is funded by charities and donations from all sorts of people and places.
Lizx

deepest sympathy to Garys famly
and friends
r.i.p Gary
Dutchxx

Condolences to Gary's family

RIP Gary

Linda x

Thoughts and Prayers to Gary's family.
xxxxxxxx

Deepest Sympathy to Gary's family.

May he Rest in Peace.

Tina x

Thoughts, prayers and condolences to Gary's family.

Ann
Glos

So so tragic.

God rest his soul.

He is at rest now - I am sure his family gave him the best sendoff altho his mum told me his dad was being awkward and said she had to pay for it all. They were no longer a couple before the tragedy. How can people argue about such a thing? He had apparently also tried to blame her as he said if Gary hadn't moved out from home to live with friends, he wouldn't have been going home that way. How cruel, so ok the family was a bit divided but it didn't make this dreadful accident happen, he would have probably still walked the same way home.
Lizx

whoever he is may he rest in peace. Feel so much pain for his parents.X so very very sad XX.