Exclusive: Hamilton Grammar shocked by second death

Mar 6 2008 By Gary Fanning

PUPILS at a Hamilton school are mourning the death of two teenagers — who died within two weeks of each other.

Richard McLean (17), known as ‘Tich’ and a former Hamilton Grammar pupil, was found by his grandad in a garden shed at their home in Whitehill’s Albert Street on Thursday, February 13.

Thirteen days later, Nicholas Connolly, a fourth-year pupil at the Grammar, died at Hairmyres Hospital.

The 15-year-old was taken there after he had been found by two police officers in the Woodhead area.

Nicholas, known to friends as Nicky, lived with his mum Marion in Fairhill’s Wellbrae Road. His elder brother Jamie (28) is shattered by his death.

Grieving Marion this week told how their family were devastated by Nicholas’ death.

“I have been in shock since it happened,” she said.

“He was with me all the time, and I don’t know what to do without him.

“He was my carer as I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when Nicholas was one-week old.

“I would like to thank the two young policemen who attempted to save his life.

“They told me that when they found him that he had a pulse and all I did was pray.

“Following Nicholas’ death, I was touched when five little boys came to my door and asked me if they could do anything for me.

“I still expect Nicholas to walk through that door with his smiling face and ask for his seven-year-old nephew Jai who he called the ‘wee’ man. He loved children and doted on Jai.”

Pupils at Hamilton Grammar will hold a special service in Nicholas’ memory and can sign a book of condolence at the school.

Hamilton Grammar pupils Emma Jack, Ami McKeowan and Vicky Cowan, sent a heart-felt sympathy card to Marion.

It read: “Sorry to hear of your loss, everyone at the Grammar are thinking of you in this sad time of sorrow.

“We all loved Nicky and thought of him as a brother, he will be missed dearly.

“He left us with so many memories and to his closest friends with a hole in our hearts which will never be replaced until we meet again.

“God takes the best!”

Tributes were also paid to Nicholas on the social networking site, bebo.

One said: “If I had one wish it would be to have back Nicky.

“Going to miss your badly, love you so much baby.”

Another read: “RIP Nicky, darling. Sleep tight angel, I miss and love you.”

Nicholas worked as a milkboy with Simpsons dairy firm.

The former St John’s Primary pupil delivered to businesses in Hamilton town centre and residents in Burnbank and Torhead Farm area.

Nicholas was an avid Celtic fan and liked swimming, karate and kickboxing.

He took part in the sports at Fairhill Civic Centre and St Peter’s Hall in Laighstonehall.

Marion added: “He was Celtic’s biggest fan and knew everything about them.

“I reminded him that he was a Protestant but he said that supporting Celtic had nothing to do with that.”

Hundreds of mourners, including pupils at Hamilton Grammar, are expected to attend his funeral at Trinity Parish Church in Neilsland Road on Tuesday at 12.45pm.

At the funeral, a picture of Nicholas will be printed on a card.

The card will also include a poem by Nicholas’ favourite rapper 2Pac.

He will be laid to rest at Bent Cemetery at 1.30pm.

Marion added: “I would like to thank neighbours, police and paramedics and Hamilton Grammar school who have helped me through this, especially my best friend May Mackie and her husband.”

Richard McLean’s family were too upset to talk about his death.

His gran, who didn’t want to give her name, said: “It hurts too much to talk about it just now.

“But the only thing I can say is that he was a lovely boy and will be sadly missed by all his family.”

Tributes for Richard were also posted on bebo.

One read: “Gone but never forgotten. See you in heaven.”