Tributes to Inverness teen found dead in city flat

17-year-old Lewis MacPherson, who was found dead in a flat in Inverness. Picture: Contributed

MacPherson’s body was found in the bedroom of a flat in the city’s Millburn Road, after police were called to a block of flats where the teenager is understood to have lived with his mother on Monday afternoon.

A statement released by Police Scotland said: “The family of Lewis MacPherson are devastated at the tragic and untimely loss of such a loving and happy young man.”

Gavin MacLean, rector of Millburn Academy where the teenager was a fifth-year pupil, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are extended to all of Lewis’ family and friends.

“Lewis will be greatly missed by his friends, teachers and by other pupils in the school.

“His cheerful personality and ability to form and sustain strong relationships with his peers were key qualities recognised by others.

“A conscientious worker in school and in his part-time employment, Lewis favoured technical, hands-on subjects – he was aiming to pursue an electrical apprenticeship when he moved on from Millburn Academy.

“Lewis always displayed a positive approach to life and demonstrated a respectful attitude towards others.

“A keen runner and footballer in his younger years, Lewis was a member of the first Raigmore United team when they formed and he played and developed his skills with them until last season.”

Additional support has been made available in the school via both guidance staff and the Children’s Services Worker.

Pupils are also being offered support by chaplains and psychologists if required.

Floral tributes were also placed at the 1,160-pupil Millburn Academy.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm the identity of the male found deceased within a house in the Millburn area of Inverness yesterday 21 April 2014 as Lewis William MacPherson, 17.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the death which remains unexplained at this time and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal at Inverness.”