Devastated parents tell of tragic 12 year-old Sulien's zest for life (From Western Telegraph)

Parents of Sulien Luckman, 12, speak out over son's sudden death

11:54am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News Exclusive By Ruth Davies

The parents of a 12-year-old boy who died tragically at his Pembrokeshire home on Saturday have spoken of their eldest son’s zest for living.

Sulien Luckman of Templeton was ’a boy who loved his life and was passionate about his life’, his devastated father, Frederick, told the Western Telegraph.

Added the youngster’s mother, Rachel Matthews: “Sulien’s death happened in unforseen, highly-tragic circumstances.

“He died because of something he did to himself, but I don’t think he realised the potential consequences of what he was doing.

“He did not intend to be dead.

“This is the boy who, earlier that evening, was romping through the kitchen with the things he had bought for my Mothering Sunday breakfast the following day.”

Sulien, his sister and two brothers shared their time with their mother in Templeton and their father in Pembroke. And as his large extended family plans a celebration of his life before he is laid to rest, they are taking comfort from tributes left on the Facebook page, We Love You Sulien, which they set up.

Within 24 hours, nearly 800 people had joined the page, which is encouraging those who knew the outdoor-loving youngster to share their memories and photographs.

Said his 54-year-old father, a carpenter and landscaper: “Sulien would set himself goals and would take his aims to the end and beyond - whether it was his commitment to something he was doing, or a friendship. He was never happier than when he was outdoors - running, kayaking, camping or just making a fire on the beach.”

Ms Matthews, aged 48, a member of Narberth and Milford Haven Quakers and a community celebrant, added: “Sulien took the fullest opportunity for using his gifts and letting his life speak.

“In primary school in Tavernspite, he won an award for sticking to his principles. He was disappointed because he wanted a prize for running!”

The youngster, who loved babies and small children, has been described in Facebook tributes as ‘a strong, spirited young lad’; ‘courageous and caring’, a ‘unique and fun character’ and ‘very much his own person’.

For the past three years, Sulien had been an enthusiastic member of Pembrokeshire Harriers, where he proudly represented the club in cross-country events in Leagues, West Wales and Welsh championships, as well as winning 1 kilometre walking races in League meets throughout south Wales.

Said his coach and club chairman, Pete Freeman: “The Harriers coaches and athletes are devastated by the news of the loss of such a talented and likeable boy. He was not only a respected athlete, but a very wonderful friend to many in the club, and will be sadly missed by everyone.”

In addition to his parents, Sulien leaves his 14-year-old sister, Indigo; brothers Theo, aged 10 and Isaac, aged seven; his father’s partner Sam Langdon and her daughter Leela, aged four and the couple’s 14-month-old daughter, Isla.

The funeral arrangements have not been finalised, but enquiries can be made to E.C. Thomas and Sons, funeral directors, on 01834 812861.

 

'No truth in bullying claims'

 

Social media allegations that Sulien had been targeted by bullies while a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland have been refuted by his parents and the school.

“Sulien was not bullied,” his father, Frederick said on Monday. “His only involvement with bullying was taking to task the people who did the bullying. If he felt that someone was being unfairly treated, he would make it his business to intervene.”

Sulien was a pupil in year 8 at Dyffryn Taf, where the school issued a statement saying that there was ‘no evidence’ he was the victim of bullying.

The statement added: “There have been no incidents reported, nor information received that would suggest this. The school has a strong ethos against bullying and effective polices in place which would have dealt with any incidents of this nature, had they occurred.

“The school is confident that bullying did not contribute to the tragic circumstances which led to this young person’s death, and allegations of this nature via social media are not helpful to his family or to the pupils at Dyffryn Taf.

This is a tragic loss of a young life and the school is doing all it can to support the pupils through this terrible time. Our sympathy goes to the family of this young boy who was a very well-liked, friendly person, His loss is being deeply felt by both pupils and staff, and he will always be remembered.”

Dyfed Powys police is currently investigating Sulien's death. A police spokesman said that the Pembrokeshire coroner had been informed and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.