Heartfelt tributes paid to 'shining light' found dead at his Oswestry home

Ben Davies, 23, who has been described as a "shining light", was found at the property in Unicorn Road on Sunday, July 16.

West Midland Ambulance Service and West Mercia Police attended the home but confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Tributes have poured in on social media, with former school friends and family members paying their own tributes.

His mother and father shared a heartfelt tribute and spoke of their pride at the man their son had become.

Christopher and Tracey Davies said: "You brought joy into our lives with everything you did. We are so proud of you and the loving and caring young man you became.

"Words cannot describe the loss we feel. All our love mum and dad."

Other family members paid tribute with grandparents Barry and Wendy Roberts adding: "Ben was our first grandson. He truly was our shining light.

"He brought so much joy into all around him. He had so much warmth and he was very loving and caring. He has left such a void on our lives."

His brother Joe added: "I love him so much and will never stop thinking of him and the good times we had. The sky has gained a beautiful star."

Sisters Lydia and Millie recalled old memories, adding: "Growing up we were so close and did everything together.

"I would follow you around everywhere and even though it embarrassed you having your little sister tag along with you and your friends, you never said no, you can't come.

"I will miss our long talks and the silly things you did to cheer me up. You were our brother, our star. We love you so much."

Mr Davies was a former Beech Grove and Morda Primary School pupil, who had gone on to attend Rhyn Park Secondary School, and the Marches School and Technology College.

He embarked on a career as a heavy goods vehicle technician and had worked at West Pennine Trucks in Oswestry.

A close friend of Mr Davies, Kelly Collins Birch, also spoke about how Mr Davies "lit up a room".

She said: "Ben really was the most kind hearted person I've ever met. He would do anything for any one even when they had wronged him.

"He lit up the room with his one-of-a-kind spirit and never failed to make people smile and laugh. Ben was the person I trusted more than anyone, I could trust him with anything and I'd always get an honest response whether I wanted it or not.

"He was always there for me. He was a part of my family and we all love him so much. I'm going to miss him so much and so will everybody who knew him."

"Rest in peace Ben."

Dozens of friends paid tribute online.

Helen Hughes wrote: "Most kind hearted and bubbly lad. Massive personality and hear to match. RIP."

Another friend Ryan Stocker wrote: "You saw me through the happiest days of my life, and helped me through the worst.

"I can't thank you enough for everything mate, you'll always be family, you'll always be my brother and I'll always love you matey.

"Honestly the last 18 years were an absolute blessing. Rest easy bro."

Ben's uncle has launched a fundraising petition to raise £2,000 towards the cost of his funeral. To donate go to https://www.gofundme.com/45l6pmg

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Police were notified by the ambulance service after the body of a man, believed to be in his 20s, was found at a property in Unicorn Road, Oswestry on 16 July.

"Officers attended but the incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been passed on to the coroner's officer.