Louis Harris' family pay tribute to dead son

Louis Harris was last seen on a Dorset seafront on the early hours of Sunday 14 February. Credit: Family photo

18-year-old Louis Harris was found in Weymouth Harbour in March though he wasn't formally identified until April 26th.

The teenager went missing on Valentines day after a night out, family and friends joined the search to try and track him down.

Louis' parents Holly and Graham Harris, said:

"The last 10 weeks have been the most terrible time of our lives. Although Louis was found on 15 March, it has taken over five weeks to officially identify him.

"Not being able to see our own son has made it all the harder to come to terms with what has happened. We are obviously devastated to have lost our lovely son in such tragic circumstances following a year of so many wonderful achievements. He had just completed the first half of spring term at Bath Spa University, making good progress, new friends, and plans for the future.

"He returned home the evening of Saturday 13 February to stay for the half term week. He was greatly looking forward to catching up with friends that night for a birthday celebration in Weymouth. He was also really looking forward to working on his music coursework the next day which he discussed enthusiastically with his brother before leaving.

"We still don’t know exactly what happened that night, or in the early hours of Valentine's Day, so would urge anyone who has any fragment of information about Louis, anyone who saw him or spoke to him that night in Weymouth, to please come forward to help us with some answers. Any CCTV or webcam recording around the junction of Custom House Quay and East Street from 4.30am to 5am may provide the answers we are looking for.

"We will remember Louis as a very thoughtful, sensitive and caring lad who would not hurt a fly, had a wicked sense of humour, and a great love and creative talent for music. Every day is a struggle without him.

"We would like to thank everyone involved to date for their overwhelming support. We remain enormously grateful to those who assisted in the search and recovery of our son, and to everyone else who has been there for us."