Boy, 12, dies as devastated dad says ‘I will never forget you – I miss you so bad’
A “CHEEKY” 12-year-old boy is believed to have taken his own life leaving his family heartbroken.
Riley Townsend tragically died on September 1 after struggling with his mental health for a while, his loved ones said.
The aspiring footballer from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism and sadly “had enough”.
His dad Matt Townsend confirmed the death, writing online: “Miss you son so bad. I will never forget you. This is killing me.”
Riley’s cousin Jodie Draycott described him as an “amazing young boy” who had “a whole future in front of him”.
She told NottinghamshireLive: “At the minute, his parents have got a lot going on but they’re overwhelmed by the support.
“He’d been struggling with mental health issues for a long time. Unfortunately, Riley had had enough and it got to this point.
“He was a cheeky chappy, a proper lad, polite and kind towards his siblings and anybody, really.
“But his mental health got in the way. He struggled a lot and his family are now going through their worst nightmare.”
Dozens of floral tributes and blue balloons have been left outside Riley’s school.
Local football clubs have also announced they will hold a minute’s silence ahead of games this weekend to remember the youngster.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Riley’s family with funeral costs which has currently amassed £16k.
Nottinghamshire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.