THE HEARTBROKEN family of a Worcester man who died in a city canal have spoken of how he was ‘such a joy’ in their lives.
Lewis Mullan was found in Diglis Basin on December 27 after going out to celebrate his birthday on Christmas Eve with friends.
The 23-year-old was reported missing by concerned family members on Christmas Day and police made the tragic discovery 48 hours later.
Speaking after an inquest into his death recorded an open verdict, Lewis’s grieving sister Emma Pritchard said: “It is a massive loss in mine and my family’s lives.”
The 38-year-old said Lewis was unable to swim and was wearing a heavy knit cardigan at the time.
She said the family believed if he had fallen into the canal there was little chance he would have been able to get himself out.
Warm tributes have been made to the Arsenal fan by his friends who have released red balloons, his favourite colour, organised a football tournament in his memory and raised a glass to him at his memorial site on New Year’s Eve.
“I want everyone to remember him for who he was and I was so shocked at how popular he was,” she said.
“His friends were so distressed and it is such a shame for them being so young.”
Emma said she would always remember him as the toddler that would sit on her bed and dance along to her music.
“He was the kind of person you would want want your daughter to bring home, he would have made a good husband and a good dad.
“He was a gorgeous, loving happy boy who bought so much joy to our lives,” she added.
