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Post your memories of Tony Ballard

6:10pm Monday 29th June 2009 in


A MASSIVE search for a teenager feared drowned in the river Severn ended in tragedy tonight when a body was pulled from the water.

The boy, now named as 17-year-old vicar's son Tony Ballard, had been swimming with friends when he got into difficulty at about 3.30pm this afternoon.

Police received numerous 999 calls from people on the Worcester river bank who had heard the boy’s cries for help.

Emergency services launched a huge search operation, but it was called off at about 6.10pm when a body was recovered by a diver near the spot where the boy had last been seen.

Full story in tomorrow's Worcester News.

  • Please leave your tributes to the youngster below.

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Comments(40)

fred132435 says...
9:22pm Mon 29 Jun 09

RIP **** You will be missed. Such an unnecessary loss.

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fred132435 says...
9:26pm Mon 29 Jun 09

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN TONY

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debi84 says...
10:29pm Mon 29 Jun 09

I love you my little cousin! I will miss you so much!

Thank you for the messages already written

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LozzaBourne says...
10:57pm Mon 29 Jun 09

Crazy man sat next to him in maths for over 3 years, so so sad.
Rest in peace mate never forgotten.
x x

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LozzaBourne says...
10:58pm Mon 29 Jun 09

Crazy man sat next to him in maths for over 3 years, so so sad.
Rest in peace mate never forgotten.
x x

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wolvesclaire says...
11:03pm Mon 29 Jun 09

It is such a sad loss, My thoughts are wiv all his Family & Friends xx

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annette55 says...
11:11pm Mon 29 Jun 09

The River has claimed yet another unsuspecting victim, this time a young man with his whole life to look towards, a playfull afternoon turned into tragedy.My daughters friend.Rest in peace young man. xxx

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HarryBlood says...
11:32pm Mon 29 Jun 09

i was so shocked when i found out and i still am. He was a good friend of mine. He was in my college course and he was one of the people i considered a top quality person i couldnt say a bad word about him. Gunna miss him. Feelings and thoughts to family.

R.I.P
Mate
xxx

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debi84 says...
6:48am Tue 30 Jun 09

Im so glad people have posted messages about Tony.

Havent stopped crying since I found out. I know that my aunt and uncle, in time, will be able to see the messages and see how much Tony meant to everyone else as well.

Thank you for the messages,

Debi, Tonys cousin

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angeldust says...
9:36am Tue 30 Jun 09

this is so sad,after losing a son myself,i know the heart ache and pain his poor parents will suffer my heart goes out to them xx

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dantowey says...
10:07am Tue 30 Jun 09

My mum used to work with his dad loads through the Worcester diocese. A vicar who did the nicest thing a man can do by adopting and raising a child that isn't biologically his simply doesn't deserve this.
Thoughts are Wtih Duncan and indeed the rest of his family.

As for Tony, I cant believe its happened. He was such a nice lad. I remember having a laugh with him running up and down the touchline waiting to come on for a footy match playing for school once. When we came on, he was on a hat trick and had an open goal but passed it to me so I could get one. I guess that says a lot about him.

No one deserves this to happen. I just wish there was something I could do, but I know im powerless to this tragedy that has happened :'(

R.I.P mate. Gone but not forgotten.

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The Bidgoods says...
10:29am Tue 30 Jun 09

We are so deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Tony, such a lovely young lad. Tony was the first friend our son Luke made after moving to Worcester last year. They enrolled on the same course at Worc Tech. Luke has some great memories including a holiday in Scotland he shared with Tony and his parents. Our thoughts are with them now at this terrible time. Rest in peace Tony, you will leave a big hole in the hearts of so many.

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NicholasWatts says...
10:33am Tue 30 Jun 09

Tony was in some of my lessons at college, we sat next to each other in art and always had a laugh. He was a really funny guy and it's just surreal to think he isn't with us anymore. As Dan said, thoughts are with the family and close friends.

Rest in peace Tony, missed already.

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marie beauchamp says...
11:14am Tue 30 Jun 09

i heard bout wot had happened its such a sad loss 4 such a young boy wiv his whole life a head ov him, my thoughts r with his family n friends at this sad time, RIP

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Beanyy says...
11:17am Tue 30 Jun 09

R.I.P. Tony, i love you mate, i'll never forget you. Life will never be the same without you.
xxx

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HayPyle says...
12:21pm Tue 30 Jun 09

RIP Tony

You were a great funny guy who i had great memories with. Duke of Edinburgh is one of these, sorry for hitting you in the mouth with a plum and making you bleed! :) You could always make everyone laugh in science and history you will be greatly missed.
xxx

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Vicky Perry says...
12:37pm Tue 30 Jun 09

RIP Tony... Was Soo Shocked When I heard.! You were a funny, happy, down to earth & caring lad that we will never forget with his cheeky smile, and great sense of humour.. he lived life to the full.. We had some really good times in school, you were an amazing friend & our thoughts to his family. You will be missed sooo so much...! Will never forget you Tony.. Love You Always ..Vix.. Xxx...

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ashley dipple says...
12:51pm Tue 30 Jun 09

i froze 4 a moment when i heard.i was so shocked. i remember all the good times we had in science.o nd who can remember footy dwn claines when u jumped in that mud puddle gd times tony m8 i wil always remember you .tonnyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

R.I.P m8
Dipple xx

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chris51 says...
1:21pm Tue 30 Jun 09

my heart really goes out to the parents family and friends of tony. I didnt know him, although my grandaughter who is the same age probably did. you must feel torn .
such a young life, my thoughts are with you.
christine sambrook.

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jackson57 says...
1:23pm Tue 30 Jun 09

So sorry to hear this terrible news. My family only moved to Worcester a year ago and my son knew Tony from college. Tony had been to our house a few times,such a lovely lad. We are deeply shocked and saddened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tony's family.

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Lizzy drippy says...
1:52pm Tue 30 Jun 09

Tony I didn't know you but my thoughts are with your family I lost a teenager in January.God bless.

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angeldust says...
1:58pm Tue 30 Jun 09

such a hansome lad,i also last a teenager in 2005 he was 14 and 10 months,lizzy as well you know to loose a child is the hardest thing and i feel for this family so much sweet dreams tony x

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TomGriffo says...
3:36pm Tue 30 Jun 09

I ll always remember how much of a laugh we had in science, and the random but funny things you used to come up with, still can't beleive your gone, take care m8.

R.I.P Tony m8
TomG xx

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TomGriffo says...
3:37pm Tue 30 Jun 09

I ll always remember how much of a laugh we had in science, and the random but funny things you used to come up with, still can't beleive your gone, take care m8.

R.I.P Tony m8
TomG xx

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Spetchley Dave says...
3:46pm Tue 30 Jun 09

Such a very sad loss of a young life. My thoughts are with Tony's family and friends.

I remember about 7 years ago a young lad from Worcester lost his life after wading into a fishing pool in Lower Broadheath.

I can only hope that this tragedy will deter other people from swimming in unsupervised inland waters.

I know in hot weather the rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs can seem so inviting, but it is so dangerous to swim in them guys.

Please, go to a local swimming pool or a beach with lifeguards.

Too many families have lost precious loved ones this way.

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aj.carrier says...
4:35pm Tue 30 Jun 09

Tony. Your company in music lessons and other lessons at bishops was so much fun. You always made us laugh and (as your parents said) lived for the day not worrying about tomorrow. Such a for your life to be tragically stopped abruptly as you were such an amazing lad. Rest In Peace tony xx

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aj.carrier says...
4:36pm Tue 30 Jun 09

Tony. Your company in music lessons and other lessons at bishops was so much fun. You always made us laugh and (as your parents said) lived for the day not worrying about tomorrow. Such a shame for your life to be tragically stopped abruptly as you were such an amazing lad. Rest In Peace tony xx

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Rhys1202 says...
5:10pm Tue 30 Jun 09

I didnt know him greatly well but have talk to him a few times, he is a top guy one of those people who comes across as liking everyone. just made you feel comfortable around him all the time.

Rest In Peace.
You'll be missed Tony.

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davidwilson8 says...
5:12pm Tue 30 Jun 09

you were a funny guy tony and had so many memories! went to primary and high school with him all them PE lessons. and playing football down clains every saturday!!! r.i.p m8

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westy91 says...
5:26pm Tue 30 Jun 09

R.I.P you were my best m8 in high school the soundest person ive eva known our trip to scotland was amazing cant believe u have gone ill never forget u m8

jamie west

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Richard, Marie, Em n Chris says...
6:56pm Tue 30 Jun 09

Duncan, Ellie,
Ages since we've seen you & Tony. He seems to have grown up to a wonderful young man you can be proud of. Lovely photo.
Truly truly gutted to see the news. Don't know what to say.
Thinking of you & praying for you.
R,M,E&C

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mike ruff says...
9:36pm Tue 30 Jun 09

such a shock! Tony a real down to earth lad who got on with everyone. Im gona miss not seeing you around mate, we shared some good laughs together, through primary and high school that i will always remeber. Such a tragic loss, my thoughts are with tony's family, gona miss you mate, rest in peace, bye Tony

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RobDelswell says...
10:35pm Tue 30 Jun 09

Rugby was hilarious with you..
Gone but no forgotten !
r.i.p

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samatk says...
11:28am Wed 1 Jul 09

we were m8s from the moment u started st b,
im sure u distracted me in class wiv ure crazy antics. have gr8 memories of football in claines and scotland, and goofin around at our house. Ellie and Duncan should be proud of u. miss u sam a and the atkinsons

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pdenham says...
1:25pm Wed 1 Jul 09

Although I did not know Tony, I know his father Duncan. It is so clear from others' comments that Tony was much loved and respected and that he will be missed by very many friends and family. I pray to God with all my heart that Duncan and his family will receive all the strength and support they need as they come to terms with their tragic loss.

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Brparish says...
2:34pm Wed 1 Jul 09

Me and Tony were good friends at high school. I remember all the good laughs we all had with him in Art class. R.I.P Tony, you wont be forgotten and you will be missed by me and all your friends and family.

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murray kelso says...
3:58pm Wed 1 Jul 09

IMPORTANT: When leaving a comment, please type your message in the white 'comment' box below, add your security word then press 'submit'.
Some people are clicking 'report this post' which means their tributes WILL NOT appear on the site.
Thank you.

MK - Digital Editor

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vimtokid says...
4:12pm Wed 1 Jul 09

Hey tony
I didn't know you that well but I hung out with you in town and talked to you a few times, you're a class guy
rip, you will be missed x

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hes24 says...
5:18pm Wed 1 Jul 09

I could not believe it when I heard. Tony was such a great guy and the last couple of years at bishops would have been so dull without him. He brought much fun and laughter to our music and art lessons, and the four of us sitting at our table in English had many entertaining hours. He was such a lovely, happy-go-lucky kind of guy who touched so many peoples lives. My thoughts are with his family, it must be so hard at this time. The picture at the top of this article really sums Tony up: exactly as i remember him, always wearing that smile!
Rest in peace Tony, you will be greatly missed x
Hannah Sansome

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Rhys1202 says...
7:54pm Wed 1 Jul 09

Missing you Tony..

if any sort of heaven does exist im sure you'll of turned it into a part by the time we all join you .

your one of the nicest most considerate guys ive ever known..

Sending you Love
Rhys (:

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