Teacher's tribute to teenager
10:44am Monday 28th April 2008
A YOUNG man whose body was found in undergrowth near a football club has been identified as 18-year-old Luke Starckey.
Police discovered the teenager at the rear of Braintree Town Football Club in Cressing Road, Braintree, at 7.30pm last Saturday.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest was opened and adjourned on Thursday.
Counsellors have been on hand to comfort students and teachers at Alec Hunter Humanities College in Braintree, where Luke was a former student.
Hamish Birley, his former tutor, said: "He was always friendly, had lots of friends and was well respected among the students.
"He was always willing to discuss things, he got on with his work and was conscientious.
"Generally he was a likeable student who never got into any trouble in school and was well liked among pupils. There is a lot of sadness among staff who knew him and shock that this has happened."
Luke leaves behind his parents Sam and Graham, brother Adam and sister Deanna.
A funeral service will take place at Chelmsford Crematorium next Tuesday, attended by family and close friends.