After weeks of searching, a heartbreaking discovery was made. A body was found in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock, a small village near Falkirk in Scotland. This happened on June 6, 2025. While police have not officially said it is 19-year-old Cole Cooper, they have spoken with his family. Cole had been missing for almost a month, and the search for him had gained national attention. Many people were hoping for good news. Now, the community is left in shock and sadness. Police are continuing their work to confirm the person’s identity and understand what happened.
The Timeline of Cole Cooper’s Disappearance
Cole Cooper was last seen on the evening of May 7, 2025. Around 8:45 PM, he was spotted near a road junction in Longcroft. He had asked a friend from school if they could give him a lift, but after that, there were no more sightings of him. A few days earlier, on May 4, a security camera showed him trying to get into his father’s home. He was officially reported missing on May 9. From that point, his case became one of the most closely followed in Scotland, as police and the public worked together to find any clue.
A Mother’s Heartache and the Family’s Plea for Help
Cole’s mother, Wendy Stewart, has been deeply involved in the search for her son since he disappeared. She has spoken to news outlets and shared her fears and hopes with the public. In several interviews, she talked about how painful it was not knowing where her son was. She said it was like living in a nightmare. Wendy believed her son might have gotten into someone’s car or wandered off and couldn’t get back. She thanked everyone who helped and begged people to share any information, no matter how small. The pain in her words was felt by many across the country.
Community Support and Search Efforts
The entire community around Banknock, Longcroft, and Falkirk came together to help find Cole. Hundreds of people took part in organized searches. They looked through forests, fields, and paths. People printed posters, shared messages online, and knocked on doors to raise awareness. Police also did their part. They used helicopters, drones, and dogs. Divers searched nearby rivers and ponds. Officers reviewed thousands of hours of CCTV footage from businesses and homes. It was clear how much the community cared. Everyone hoped that their efforts would lead to Cole being found safe. Sadly, that is not how the search ended.
What Happens Next in the Investigation
Now that a body has been found, police will carry out a full investigation to confirm the person’s identity and determine how they died. Officers are treating the place where the body was found as part of an active investigation. They’ve even restricted the airspace above it to make sure the scene is protected. Forensic teams will carefully examine the area and gather evidence. This process might take some time. Police are asking people to be patient and respectful while they work. They have also asked the public to continue coming forward with any information they may have about Cole’s last known movements.
Image Source: BBC
