Heartbreak over 'gentle giant'

Paula Clarke's youngest son Kee-rian White drowned in a pool near Ryders Hayes Lane in Pelsall. The 17-year-old, who was originally from Brownhills but moved to Baker Street, Burntwood six months ago, was due to start an electrician's course at Walsall College in September.

He was on a YTS scheme with Sports World in Wolverhampton and was also hoping to become a part time youth worker at the Pelsall centre he used.

Care home worker Miss Clarke said her 6ft 5ins tall son, who was taught at the Shepwell Centre in Willenhall, was popular with people of all ages who miss his cheeky grin.

She said: "He was caring, sensitive, clever and very, very sensible, a gentle giant. He loved life and had no intention of getting into any harm.

"He had ambitions of what he wanted to do in life. He was like a giant magnet as people were drawn towards him because he would sit and talk to them.

"When I speak to anybody who knows him they say he was a lovely lad. He was peaceful, always had a smile and was so kind to everyone.

"We had a special kind of relationship, we were like brother and sister. He was my baby, he was my world and since he has gone I feel like a part of me has died."

Kee-rian, who enjoyed basketball and football, had been with friends when he got into difficulties in the pool last month. His body was recovered by police divers on June 11.

More than 300 friends and family, including his older brother Darren, attended his funeral at St Michael's Church. He has been buried at Walsall North Cemetery.

His mother, 51, added: "I just can't understand what happened, maybe it was a prank gone wrong, as Kee-rian didn't take risks and wouldn't have gone into the water without reason.

"He was so meticulous, he only bought designer clothes and didn't like any dirt on them so I don't see why would he want to go swimming and get them wet."

An inquest on the teenager has been opened and adjourned.

By Craig Hughes