Mother of canal death man's moving statement in full
9:38am Thursday 15th March 2007 in News By Lewis Cowen
Luke Wells
The mother of a 19-year-old man killed with his father when the tractor they were using to cut towpath edges plunged into the Kennet and Avon Canal has released a moving statement.
Kim Cary, mother of Luke Wells and former partner of Mark Wells, submitted the following statement to Swindon Crown Court this week as British Waterways was fined £100,000 after admitting to breaches of safety regulations.
A proper risk assessment had not been conducted and a crucial safety bulletin had not been released to staff detailing that machinery should not be operated within 1.3 metres of the canal edge.
The statement, which was read by the judge and both barristers, said: "I have deliberated long and hard to try to find the correct words for me to explain to you how our devastating loss has affected my family and myself, but, the truth is, there are really no words to express our endless pain after losing such a funny, loving, vibrant young man, whom we all love so very much.
"I do not know how I will tell his little son Leo why he never got the chance to see his dad and granddad, but as he gets older I will try my very best to explain to him what great guys they were and how much they would have loved and cherished him.
"My daughter and son have both lost their cheeky, happy little brother, while I stand by helplessly because I cannot help ease their enormous pain.
“Grief is the price we must pay for loving, and our price is the highest.”
Kim Cary
"My granddaughter frequently asks her mummy when her uncle Luke will be coming home. How on earth do you explain to a three-year-old that Luke will never come home again?"
It continues: "Luke's friends have lost a great mate and I have never seen so many sad and desolate young people than I saw on the day of Luke's funeral.
"I myself have been totally devastated by losing my lovely son and have struggled to survive with this sickening truth.
"The day Luke died the fun went out of our lives and I suspect it will never return. Those of you who read this may have children of your own and you will all know only too well that it is a parent's greatest fear to lose a child.
"Well, from one parent that knows only too well it is a million times worse than you can ever dread to imagine.
"I was very disappointed and saddened that we received no written words of condolence from British Waterways after the untimely death of Luke and his dad, Mark - just a mention from their solicitor.
"Grief is the price we must pay for loving, and our price is the highest."
