He was a tireless worker with a beaming smile who would light up the stage and fill any room with laughter.
"And that's why it doesn't make sense."
Callum McKenna was much-loved by his family, his countless friends - particularly his closest, known as 'the famous five' - and even those who barely knew him.
A bright student and talented actor, the 17-year-old from Droylsden, Tameside, had an offer to begin studying law at the University of Manchester in September.
But on Sunday (May 16), with no warning to those who he loved, Callum left home for the final time.
"He just said he was going for a walk and he never came back," mum Lesley Pinner told the Manchester Evening News .
Callum died after falling onto the M60 near Daisy Nook.
His family and friends had no idea he may have been struggling with his mental health - he gave no warning signs and had no record of any issues.
Lesley said: "There was nothing at all. I asked all his friends and they said he had been absolutely fine, there were no issues with him."
Kacey Devenport, Callum's cousin, added: "He was always so bubbly, he kept anything like that to himself. He always had a smile on his face."
Callum's family say he was determined to become the very best version of himself, as he strove for success in everything he put his mind to.
A former member of Manchester Theatre Academy and 'an absolute joker', Callum loved the spotlight and was 'always smiling and laughing'.
Cousin Simon Devenport said: "He was always singing.
"It was always out of tune, mind, but he was always singing."
Callum was also dedicated to his studies - and was even known to do his homework on Christmas Day.
He was studying A-Levels in law, maths and chemistry at Ashton Sixth Form College, and was a popular student to sit next to in class for advice.
Lesley said: "He was always studying. He had to be the best in everything that he did.
"When he was picking his subjects I said to him, 'why don't you pick drama, something that you enjoy?'.
"He said, 'mum, do you think I'm going to live in Droylsden all my life? No chance - drama won't get me anywhere'.
"He picked the three hardest subjects that he wanted to study because he wanted to be the best."
Callum is fondly remembered by his old teachers at St Mary's Primary School and Droylsden Academy, who have expressed their sympathies to the family this week.
He worked part-time at The Queens Arms, in Audenshaw, and previously spent time as a paper boy.
"We've just received flowers and a card from someone in the street that he used to deliver the paper to," Lesley said.
"Everyone loved him."
An online fundraiser for Callum's funeral has now received more than £7,300 in donations.
Callum's family remember him as a 'cheeky' character who 'always said he would be a millionaire'.
He stood at 6ft 1ins after a growth spurt, with a 'crooked smile' and bright blue eyes.
The teenager loved going on holidays, his two boxer dogs Bella and Esme - named after the Twilight characters - and watching movies.
"He used to say he would never watch something that was rated below a seven on IMDB," said sister Georgia McKenna.
"He was still my little brother in my eyes - even though he wasn't little anymore."
As a younger child, Callum used to go walking with dad Phil Pinner in the woods, where he would 'pretend to be Bear Grylls' by climbing and swinging on trees.
His nan Edith McKenna died aged 84 last year, and the two were very close.
"She will be telling him off now," said Lesley.
The loss of Callum has left a huge hole in his heartbroken family's lives, but they have been overwhelmed by well-wishes from people who knew their 'beautiful boy'.
They want anyone who is struggling to know that they don't have to suffer in silence.
Phil added: "Just talk to someone.
"It doesn't matter how big or small it is. Just talk to someone about it."
