Heartbreak on Isle of Wight as mum pays tribute to beloved son found dead on beach
Tragic Loss Shakes Cowes Community
A grieving Isle of Wight mum has released a heartfelt tribute to her son, Sam Pritchard, found dead at Gurnard Beach last Saturday. The young man from Cowes had been quietly battling depression.
‘He Was Perfect, Caring and Beautiful’
Sam’s mother, Dawn Thistlewood, described her son as “the most caring and beautiful person you could meet, with a sensitive soul and perfect in every way.”
“Sam never got over the loss of his father, who passed away after a heart attack four years ago. He wanted to be with his dad and now he’s at peace,” Dawn revealed.
Friends Rally with £6,000 Raised for Funeral
Those close to Sam have poured out support. A GoFundMe page, set up by a family friend to cover funeral costs, has already raised nearly £6,000.
A Mother’s Pain and Strength
Dawn opened up about the devastating impact on her family:
“Sam really struggled with his mental health. It deeply affected him. He wanted to change the world and make it a better place. I haven’t heard one bad word about him.
“I am a mum — it shouldn’t be me burying my son. My life now has a deep hole in it. It will take time to come to terms with this. But I am strong, and I know I will get through it.”
