MOURNING FAMILY ISSUES GRIM WARNING ON TEENS

The tragic death of a young Leeming man has prompted a warning from his parents on the dangers of drug-use and risk-taking behaviour by teenagers.

Rod and Liz Walding said their son Lucas had been cheerful and planning his future before his death in a fall from an electricity pylon in May.

“It’s the worst thing that can happen to a parent,” said Mr Walding, an ambulance officer.

“The sudden death of your child is just devastating.”

Lucas’ body was found by walkers early on May 4 underneath the pylon next to the Melville Glades Golf Club.

The 18-year-old was last seen by his family the previous evening, before he left home to attend a party with friends.

“I just want to warn other parents about the dangers of drug-use and risk-taking behaviour,” Mr Walding said.

“No-one should have to go through this pain.”

Lucas’ parents said the ceiling and wall-repair apprentice had experienced behavioural problems in the past, which they linked to his prescribed use of medication for ADD, and that he had previously used cannabis. But in the weeks before his death, he had been untroubled and in high spirits.

No recreational drugs were found in his system after his death, and only small traces of alcohol.

“The police told us they suspected suicide,” said Mrs Walding, who runs a string of small businesses.

“We know he didn’t. We want to clear his name of that.”

The death is still being investigated by police and it is not clear what Lucas did in his last hours, though his parents suspect he may have been with friends when he fell.

“He was the sort of kid who would have climbed up there for a dare,” Mr Walding said.

Federal Member for Tangney Dennis Jensen, whose office assisted the Walding family in obtaining information about the case, urged parents to heed their warning.

“It’s an absolute tragedy, and my heart goes out to the Waldings,” he said.

“I think we all, as parents, need to take note that these things can and do happen and that we should all be looking for any warning signs.”

Western Power carried out a detailed investigation into the case and has upgraded anti-climbing barriers on some pylons as a result.