Dad’s heartbreaking tribute to Grace Handling, 13, found dead at pal’s house on last day of school
Stewart Handling said his daughter 'lit up our lives' as police investigate the suspected drugs death
A SCHOOLGIRL aged 13 was found dead at a pal’s house in a suspected drugs tragedy.
Cops are probing whether Grace Handling was given a substance by a friend before the horror in Irvine, Ayrshire, in Scotland, at the start of the holidays.
A source last night said: “Drug tests have begun.”
And now her shattered dad has told of his family’s grief.
Stewart Handling, 48, paid tribute to the tragic 13-year-old and told how she was looking forward to the summer holidays.
His poignant tribute came as cops were believed to be awaiting the results of a toxicology test to determine how the teenager died.
Stewart said: “Obviously we are heartbroken. Grace was a bright girl who loved life.
“She was looking forward to summer with family and friends.
“She lit up our lives and she was adored by us. Our faith is giving us a lot of strength and reassurance.”
Grace was found dead on the last day of school before the summer break in a house about half a mile from the home in Irvine she shared with Stewart and mum Lorraine, 45.
Sources said it is feared she may have taken a substance and detectives are believed to have seized a mobile phone as part of their enquiries.
Grace, who would have turned 14 later this month, is thought to have visited a male friend who had only moved into the house hours before.
A source said: “The lad who had tenancy of the property where she was found has been spoken to and mobiles seized.
“The cops also went round the neighbours asking whether they knew of anyone else in the house.
“He had only been there a night because folk saw him move in.
“The drugs tests will determine how she died and then what happens will be as a result of that.”
Grace was a bright girl who loved life. She lit up our lives and she was adored by us."
Grace had just finished her second year at Irvine Royal Academy. The school has opened its doors to pupils who need grief counselling.
And around 300 mourners gathered on Irvine Beach Park last Wednesday to remember their “shining star” and release balloons in a touching tribute organised by Grace’s older sister Dani.
Stewart added: “There were hundreds of people there for Grace and we can take some comfort from that. She was so very loved. It was quite overwhelming.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland yesterday confirmed they are still investigating the death.
She said: “At around 2.40pm on Friday, June 29, the body of a female was found within a property in Irvine.
“A post mortem examination has been carried out this week.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. Further forensic tests will be carried out in due course to establish the cause of death.”
North Ayrshire Council also said there will be help on hand for youngsters struggling to cope.
A spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the young girl’s family.
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“We are aware this news will affect many in the local community and we will ensure we continue to work with the school and community to provide support.”
A Book of Remembrance was set up for Grace and will be in Fullarton Connexions Church in Irvine.
The tragedy comes two months after a 17-year-old was jailed for supplying ecstasy to six 13-year-olds in Irvine.
The lad, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, sold potentially deadly ‘Trip Advisor’ drugs to two girls who shared them with pals.
One of the friends’ mothers noticed that they were out of it and raised the alarm.
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard the three girls and three boys spent a night in hospital with high heart rates after taking tablets stamped with an owl logo.
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