The parents of an Inverness-born teenager shot dead in America have paid tribute to their “fearless and spontaneous” son – as it emerged he had been out on bail for drug possession and carrying a weapon.
Nineteen-year-old Ben David Mackie died in hospital and being shot within his apartment complex in Lake Jackson, Texas, last week.
He was born in Inverness in December 2000 and moved to America with his mum and dad, Cindy and Colin, 11 years ago.
A funeral service has now been arranged for next Friday at the Restwood Funeral Home in Clute, Texas.
His parents paid tribute to their son on the home’s memorial page, saying he was “taken too soon on August 7”.
They added: “Ben grew up loving the outdoors and was always looking for adventure, achieving the Rank of Eagle Scout in May 2017, he was always prepped and prepared.
“He had a natural talent for building and was an impressive handy man at a young age.
“He had a great sense of humour and always said he was going to put all his jokes in a book one day. Ben had a heart melting smile with a contagious laugh, he was fearless and spontaneous. Forever in our hearts.”
The family have requested that mourners respectfully wear black or bright colours and “represent Ben your way”.
They added: “In lieu of flowers and charitable donations we would simply ask that you hold your children close.”
Police at Lack Jackson, Texas, confirmed Ben had been awaiting trial for drug possession and carrying an illegal weapon. He was bailed on July 1, 2019, from a Texan prison on a $70,000 bail bond, having spent almost six weeks in a correctional facility.
US police in Texas continue to investigate the tragic shooting.
Lake Jackson police sergeant Roy Welch said: “Lake Jackson police responded to a report of a disturbance with shots fired at 1.32 am, Friday, in an apartment complex in the 500 block of That Way [street].”
“Upon arrival, it was found that a 19-year-old male victim, who resides in Lake Jackson, had been shot.
“The victim was taken to CHI St. Luke’s Health Brazosport, where he died from his injuries.”
He added that the investigation was progressing quickly and should soon be concluded, with the case being taken to the Grand Jury to decide whether any suspects should be charged and put to trial.
The confirmed the shooting did not involve a break-in and everyone within the property either lived there or were invited.
The Mackies left Inverness 11 years ago and have a house in Brazoria, south of Houston, Texas, which was hit by hurricane Harvey in 2017
Ben, whose father is vice president of international firm JAB Recruitment in the US, still has family in Scotland.