Friends shocked by Stewart's death
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
20th December 2007
By Hayley Court
Stewart's girlfriend Sophie McFarlane, 16, of Bradenstoke, said: "Stew was the most amazing person I have ever met and I know his memory will live on in all our hearts and minds.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He always had a cheeky grin on his face, one that lit up the room when he walked into it. We all love and miss him."

Close friend Stef Tyrie said: "It has hit us all hard. Stewart was a cheerful and friendly guy - a great friend to everyone - and this was extremely out of character.

"One thing's for certain - if Stewart is remembered for anything it won't be for taking his own life - he was a top guy and that's the Stew we'll remember."

The lads often met at The Woodshaw Inn where they would talk about music, Stewart's favourite football team Rangers, and their hopes for the future. Stef, 18, said: "It's strange to think he has gone. It's a big loss to get over."

Stewart had returned from Stirling University and was catching up with a friend on the night he died.

Stewart had been reported missing to police at about 9.30pm on Friday. Police and community support officers carried out thorough searches of the area. Stewart's body was found hanged in a disused barn at Clack Hill, Bradenstoke, near Lyneham. In spite of several attempts to revive the teenager, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The inquest into the 18-year-old's death opened yesterday. A spokesman for the coroner's office added: "We are waiting for the coroner to make his official ruling but at this point in time we are sure there was no third-party involvement in Stewart's death."

Stewart went to Wootton Bassett School, where he achieved 10 GCSEs and A-levels in English, sociology, and economics and business. School friend Alex Thomson said that Stewart's was a memorable face at the school and he could often be found playing football on the school field. Alex, 18, said: "He was always a quiet guy but very cool and someone we won't forget."

Another old school friend Ed Giles said he chose to sit with Stewart because he was such fun to be with. He said: "It was a complete shock as I'd assumed he would be happy. He never said anything to us, and no one really understands what's happened." Wootton Bassett School headteacher Chris Montacute said news of Stewart's death had a profound effect on both staff and students in the final week of term before the Christmas holiday. He said Stewart had been an excellent student and was a conscientious young man.

"Stewart was a quiet, sensitive, hard-working student, who completed his education at Wootton Bassett School, achieving some good A-level results," he said. "All members of the school were shocked and saddened to hear of his tragic death. Our thoughts go to his family and friends at this difficult time. "