POLICE are investigating the mystery death of a teenager in the bedroom of his Inverness home.
The body of the 17-year-old – named locally as Lewis Macpherson – was found in a flat in the city’s Millburn Road. Police are treating his death as “unexplained”.
Yesterday, grief-stricken schoolfriends returning to nearby Millburn Academy laid flowers in his memory.
Bouquets with messages of sympathy were placed at the 1,160-pupil secondary school where the young man was a fifth-year pupil.
Several floral tributes were also laid outside his home in Millburn Road, where the teenager is understood to have lived with his mother. One tribute read: “RIP Lewis, you will never know how loved by everyone you were.”
Neighbours said the police and ambulance service were called to the block of flats on Monday afternoon.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police in Inverness are investigating the sudden death of a teenager in the Inverness area on Monday.
“The 17-year-old male died within a property in the Millburn area of Inverness on Monday afternoon.
“Inquiries are ongoing at this time and the teenager’s death is currently being treated as unexplained. No further details are available at present.”
Neighbours said they were shocked to hear about the young man’s death.
One woman said: “He was a very kind boy. Whenever he had a party he would always clean up afterwards. It’s such a shame. I feel sorry for his mum.”
The teenager’s friends and classmates posted poignant tributes on social networking sites to the friend they knew as Lew Mac. Lauren Frame wrote: “Today was such a hard day for everyone at Millburn. Lewis Macpherson was one of the funniest guys I’ve ever known and I can hope only he’s keeping the party going. You’ll be sorely missed by us all.”
Many mentioned the teenager’s love of partying and posted the phrase “Que No Pare La Fiesta” – Spanish for Don’t Stop the Party and also the title of a song by rapper Pitbull.
Jake Bernardi wrote: “Nobody deserves to die so young. RIP Lew Mac, keep dancing up there.”
Lauren MacDonald wrote: “Honestly can’t believe it, still remember you in your Scooby Doo outfit at Tomatin dancing away. Taken far too young, sleep tight Lewis.” Kenna Gibson wrote: “My thoughts go out to all his friends and family, horrible time for everyone that knew him, such a cool dude, RIP Lew Mac.”
Mr Macpherson worked at Dunelm Mill at Inshes Retail Park but staff at the store were unable last night to comment on his death.
Highland Council also said it could not comment on the young man’s death.
His family could not be contacted yesterday.