A HEARTBROKEN mother has spoken of her anguish after her 18-year-old son died after being found face down in a puddle in a Hale park.

Thomas Owen, of Wellfield Gardens, tragically died while out walking his dog Buster in Wellfield Lane Park in the early afternoon of Wednesday June 22.

Thomas, who had learning difficulties and epilepsy, was found lifeless and face-down in a hole full of mud and a couple of inches of water on the football pitch.

The teenager, who attended Trafford College before his Lifeskills course was dropped, was alone at the time of the tragedy and was found shortly after by a passerby. An ambulance was called but he sadly passed away.

Thomas’ mother, Jayne Owen, said: “I ran out to the park as Thomas was longer in the park that he said he would be and I saw the police car from the kitchen window. I ran outside and my worst nightmare had happened. Thomas was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital where we were told he had passed away.”

Jayne said that residents have been calling for the hole that Thomas was found in to be filled in for years. She said that no-one from the council had contacted Thomas’ family but they discovered that the hole had been covered up and fencing erected around it on July 7 – two weeks after Thomas’ death.

“It is like Thomas died for nothing, the council are just brushing the whole thing under the carpet like it never even happened,” said Jayne.

“All they have done is put fresh dirt on it but that won’t solve the problem. The hole has been there for as long as we have lived here – five years at least – and it shouldn’t have taken my son’s death to make them do something.

“There is a sign in the kids’ play area saying if you play there, it is at your own risk. My son had special needs and couldn’t read or write and neither can young children – what good is that?

“The other day someone came up to my husband, Thomas’ dad, and said ‘well the passing of your son has done a good thing because now something may be done about this’. But as Thomas’ family, we do not want his name to be forgotten.”

Thomas’ mum, father Stephen and brother Matthew wanted to thank everyone for their cards and flowers. They also wanted to thank those who left flowers in remembrance of Thomas in the park.

The family also wished to thank Stephen’s workplace, Costco in Trafford Park, and Hale Country Club for their kind donations.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Trafford Council is aware of the tragedy that occurred in the park and sends its condolences to the family and friends. However, the council feels it would be inappropriate to comment further due to an inquest being held into the tragic death.”

Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file has been prepared for the coroner for a full inquest.

Thomas' funeral took place today, Wednesday July 13, at Christ Church in Timperley.