Still Game Fords son choked to death The Sun

STILL Game star Ford Kiernan’s schoolboy son choked to death in a freak accident at home.

Sonny, 12, was found in his bedroom by mum Lesley and comedian Ford at their Glasgow flat on Monday.

A neighbour said last night: “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Distraught schoolmates were united in grief with showbiz celebrities as they paid tribute to the youngster.

They remembered popular Sonny as a “lively, outgoing” lad “with a warm smile and a great sense of humour”.

In an emotional statement yesterday, Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow — where 12-year-old Sonny was a pupil — the youngster was described as a “cheerful” boy who brightened up lives.

As Ford, Sonny’s mum Lesley and his 15-year-old sister Kaye struggled to take in the tragedy, the school said: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Sonny. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go to Mr and Mrs Kiernan and Kaye for their tragic loss.

“Sonny was a lively, outgoing pupil with a warm smile and a great sense of humour.

“He made a whole-hearted contribution to the school community, bringing infectious enthusiasm to lessons and activities.

“We shall always remember him as a cheerful boy who brightened our lives.”

The tributes to Sonny — who lived with Ford, 51, Lesley, 44, and Kaye in Glasgow’s West End — came as harrowing details emerged about his death.

The tragedy came shortly after Kiernan tweeted he was watching Channel 4 documentary Secrets of the Living Dolls, which started at 10pm on Monday.

Just half-an-hour after the programme ended, the schoolboy’s lifeless body was found.

Medics battled to revive the youngster after he was rushed to Yorkhill
Hospital — but he could not be saved.

Showbiz stars also paid their respects to the tragic youngster on social media.

River City favourite Tom Urie, who starred alongside Kiernan on legendary sketch show Chewin’ The Fat, wrote on Twitter: “Thoughts and prayers are with Ford, Lesley and Kaye.”

Paul James Corrigan, best known as Shieldinch cheeky chappie Stevie Burns, wrote: “Horrible, sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with Ford and his family.”

And Jordan Young — who plays businessman Alex McAllister in the BBC soap — said: “Such horrific news for Ford and his family. My thoughts are with them.”

Comedy legend Andy Cameron wrote: “Dreadful news about Sonny Kiernan. My thoughts are with Ford and his family. Sometimes this life is impossible to understand. RIP Sonny.”

Gary: Tank Commander creator Greg McHugh, 33, wrote on Twitter: “Shocked having just learned of Ford Kiernan’s loss. The worst news imaginable.”

TV comic Brian Limond, creator of BBC Scotland’s Limmy’s Show, told followers:
“That is very sad news about Ford Kiernan’s son. My thoughts are with his family.”

DJ and Scottish Sun columnist Robin Galloway added: “It’s utterly heartbreaking.”

And actress Kathleen McDermott wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with Ford Kiernan and his family at this very sad time.”

Yesterday, distraught Kiernan came to the door of the family home but was too upset to talk.

A florist arrived at the £600,000 property — where the blinds were drawn all day — to deliver bouquets. One neighbour, a former Kelvinside Academy teacher, said: “In all the years I taught, this kind of thing never happened. It’s one of those terribly sad things. It’s every parent’s worst
nightmare. A real tragedy.”

Another neighbour, a woman in her 40s, added: “It’s unbelievable. I feel really sorry for the family.”

There was no answer yesterday at the home of Lesley’s parents Malcolm and
Ellen Stewart, both 74. But flowers had been placed on their doorstep in
Rutherglen, near Glasgow.

There was also no sign of Kiernan’s mum Frances, 73, or sister Tracey, 46, at their flat in Dennistoun. Police confirmed they were treating Sonny’s death as “unexplained”. A spokeswoman said: “At 11.30pm on Monday we received a report of the death of a 12-year-old boy in Kelvinside. A post mortem will be held to establish the exact cause of death.”

Telly favourite Kiernan shot to fame with Greg Hemphill in Chewin’ The Fat.

But they are best known for playing wise-cracking OAPs Jack and Victor in spin-off sitcom Still Game. Last year, the duo announced a return in a
series of live shows to be held at the Hydro Arena in Glasgow.

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