BOLSOVER: Tributes paid after body found

The 21-year-old, of Springfield Crescent, Bolsover, was found by police during routine patrols last Wednesday, May 22 after over a week of searching.

Family friend, Natalie King described Stephen as “a quiet guy who touched the heart of everyone he met.”

She said: “He was lovely. He had his whole life ahead of him. He wanted to go to university, he had just passed his driving test.

“It has affected everyone. We kept hoping he would come back and we would find him. It’s really hard.”

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Stephen, whose car was found abandoned at Carr Vale ponds on May 14.

His twin Heidi and sister Heather issued a plea for his safe return through the Derbyshire Times last week, the same day his body was found.

On Facebook, hundreds of mourners have joined a group to pay their respects to the former Heritage Community school pupil, who worked as a full-time carer for his mum.

One, Lyssaa Beniston, said: “I know Stephen will be up there smiling down on us all! Sleep well babe! Rest in peace”.

Another, Claire Harrison, said: “Such a sad ending. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Stephen’s family, close friends and the community of Bolsover.”

As the Derbyshire Times went to press, an inquest into his death was due to be opened at Chesterfield and north Derbyshire Coroners Court, on Wednesday, May 29.