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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Kaitlin Easton

Family pleads 'reach out' after death of 'quiet and friendly' 21-year-old in Hamilton flat

The family of a 21-year-old man who died in a Lanarkshire tower block have spoken of their grief.

"Quiet and friendly" Kai Melloch passed away last Sunday, the second person to die on Hamilton's Almada Street in two days.

The 21-year-old's uncle, Lee Melloch explained the young landscape gardener had recently moved into his own home, and the news has devastated the family, the Daily Record reports.

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He said: "Kai was a quiet lad and he had recently moved out into his own flat. He loved going out with his friends and going to Celtic games.

"He also loved his job as a garden landscaper.

"His death has been such a shock and my sister is absolutely devastated."

Kai, who worked for South Lanarkshire Council, struggled with his mental health and his Uncle Lee pleaded with other young men in the same situation to ask for help.

The 49-year-old added: "If you are struggling, please reach out. Young men in particular are suffering and the worst thing you can do is not talk.

"It helps to talk and it doesn't need to be a family member. There is a lot of help out there like the Samaritans. Reach out, it does make a difference.

"A lot of the time, there are no signs someone is struggling. A lot of people can hide their struggles really well."

South Lanarkshire Council paid tribute to the hardworking young man.

Kevin Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services said: "Staff at Ground Services were devastated to hear of the sad passing of Kai last weekend.

"He had worked with the council now for two seasons, undertaking ground maintenance work in the Hamilton area.

"He was a genuine hardworking and conscientious individual, well-liked by both his manager and fellow workers and will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts are with all his family and friends."

A fundraising page has been set up to help pay for Kai's funeral and give him the send off he deserves, with donations currently sitting at £2,465.

Donations can be made by clicking here.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of the sudden death of a man on Almada Street in Hamilton shortly before 9pm on Sunday, October 23. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.Papyrus

HOPELINEUK can be contacted by those under 35 on 0800 068 4141 between 10am - 10pm on weekdays and from 2pm - 10pm on weekends. Email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.

The National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK is open 24/7 and can be contacted on 0800 689 5652.

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