Family pays tribute to 17-year-old boy as police confirm body found four months after he went missing is his
- Freddy Perham, 17, disappeared from his home in Stolford, Somerset, in September
- Human remains found near Bridgwater on January 30 have been confirmed as his
A grieving family has paid tribute to a 17-year-old boy whose body was found more than four months after he went missing.
Police have confirmed that human remains found on swamps belonged to tragic teenager Freddy Perham.
A widespread search for Freddy began when he disappeared last September after leaving his family farm in Stolford, Somerset.
After months with no sign of him, his family was informed on January 30 that a member of the public had found human remains on Steart Marshes near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Formal identification has taken place and sadly the remains were confirmed to be Freddy.
A widespread search for Freddy Perham, 17, was first launched when he disappeared after leaving his family farm in Stolford, Somerset, last September.
His family has now paid tribute to him and thanked all those involved in his search.
They said, “There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness we feel as a family for the loss of Freddy.
“The five months Freddy was missing was torturous, not knowing where he was, and if he was still alive. And while the news of his death is devastating, now that Freddy has been found and returned to our family, we can rest and mourn.”
Freddy was a great kid. His carefree and contagious spirit was loved and cherished by all his family and friends and knowing that we will never experience that again leaves us with a huge hole that can never be filled. We hope he is now at peace.
‘Freddy our son, brother, grandson, nephew, nephew and friend, you will be terribly missed.
More than 100 police officers and employees were involved in the search for him after his disappearance on September 20.
They were supported by partner agencies including His Majesty’s Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, BARB Search and Rescue, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue and the Search and Rescue Dog Association.
The family thanked everyone who helped with the search.
After months with no sign of him, his family was informed on January 30 that a member of the public had found human remains on Steart Marshes near Bridgwater, Somerset.
They added: ‘As a family we would like to thank so many people who have supported us in the search for Freddy and continue to support us through our darkest times.
“To the police, we thank you for your continued efforts to find Freddy. The care you have shown us will not be forgotten.
“We know that the police have been supported by many other specialist search agencies and volunteers and we would also like to thank you for giving so much of yourself to us.
“To our friends, our community and all the people we’ve never met who offered their prayers, their support and their time, we are grateful and have no doubt that your care and compassion were felt daily.”
Specialized agents continue to support Freddy’s family as an investigation is conducted on behalf of the coroner.
His death is being treated as unexplained, but not considered suspicious.
An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned until November.
