youth leapt into water at north beauty spotparents tell of heartbreak
Family devastated at death of ‘tombstoning’ teenager
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A teenager who died after jumping into the water at a Highland beauty spot is thought to have been taking part in the thrill-seeking “tombstoning” craze.
Laurence Parrott’s parents last night paid tribute to their music-loving son, describing him as “full of life and very determined”, and said they were devastated.
Laurence, of The Old School, Errogie, Inverness-shire, disappeared near Falls of Foyers on Loch Ness-side on Sunday.
Despite an extensive search, his body had still not been recovered last night.
Yesterday, young people were warned about the dangers of “tombstoning” – jumping into water from high rocks or cliffs.
Laurence, 17, is understood to have been with his brother Moteh, 20, and a friend when he was seen to leap into the water and fail to surface at about 4.50pm.
His father, John, an area manager for Scottish Native Woods, was at the scene yesterday as police, firefighters and coastguards continued the search.
Coastguard teams searched both banks of the River Foyers and more difficult spots. Loch Ness lifeboat searched the loch and river mouth.
A barrier was put across the river in case the body is washed downstream.
Last night Mr Parrott and his wife, Heather, said: “Our whole family is devastated at the loss of our son.
“Laurence was full of life and was very determined, excelling at everything he put his mind to.
“We cannot put into words the loss that we feel and would ask that our family be left alone to grieve in peace."
Laurence was a former pupil of Stratherrick Primary School and Inverness Royal Academy, where he excelled in music.
As well as being a talented drummer with his brother in a band called The Soundtrack, he had recently taken up the guitar.
His family said he hoped to progress into higher education to pursue a musical career after recently gaining an A grade in his advanced higher in music.
A neighbour said the family had lived in the village for more than 15 years.
She added: “Laurence was such a nice boy. They all are nice people. It’s so sad.”
Tributes were also made on Laurence’s page on a social networking website Bebo.
Ryan Dick wrote: “Rest in peace bud. We’re sorry to hear about what happened to you and for your family.”
Martin Douglas, a spokes-man for Loch Ness lifeboat, said: “The river has huge boulders and rocks at either side. It’s an aggressive environment at the best of times and more so with the huge amount of rain.”
Last night locals at Foyers said the beauty spot was becoming increasingly popular with young thrill-seekers.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “Youngsters are often jumping from the rocks, although it’s usually when the water is a lot more shallow. It was really fast flowing the other day after all the rain.”
Local councillor Norrie Donald said: “It’s very sad because there has been so many warnings. You never know when you might hit your head on an underwater log and that’s it.
“I feel sorry for the family to have to go through this.
“I hope other young people will not continue doing it.”
“Tombstoning” dangers include damaging the spine through impact with the water, being sucked down by the undercurrent, the shock of suddenly hitting cold water and drowning, and hitting rocks below the surface.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said the practice is dangerous even for people who know the area well.
A spokeswoman for RoSPA urged people not to jump into the unknown.
She added: “Particularly with a period of heavy rainfall, that can alter the water depth, the speed in which it is flowing and the debris in the water. It’s the inconsistency with the environment that can cause the problems.”
Chief Inspector Andrew MacLean appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time on Sunday to get in touch with police.
Earlier this summer, Stuart MacDonald, 27, from Provost Watt Drive, Aberdeen, died after jumping 14ft off the harbour wall at Findochty in Moray.
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