Death of missing Edinburgh teenager with diabetes to be investigated

The death of a teenage boy who went missing without his diabetes medication is to be officially investigated.
A police watchdog has been called in to look at how the police dealt with the case and Edinburgh Council has also announced it will be launching an independent review into what happened to Blake Ross, who disappeared on Saturday.
The 13-year-old, who had been in care in Howdenhall, South Edinburgh, was found unwell on a Lothian bus in Edinburgh two days after he went missing.
He was admitted to Sick Kids Hospital, where he died. His death, which is thought to be linked to his type 1 diabetes, is being treated as unexplained. However, a relative has suggested he died from a heart attack. This may have been brought on by very high blood sugars and a lack of insulin, but the report will need to confirm this.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has been ordered by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal to investigate the police.
Speaking to the BBC, Police Scotland Superintendent Lesley Clark said: “The matter has now been referred to PIRC. As in all matters concerning police contact before death, we will provide any necessary assistance to the PIRC as they conduct their investigation and we await the outcome of their report.
“This is a tragic set of circumstances and thoughts and condolences are with Blake’s family and friends.”
The City of Edinburgh Council said it was standard practice to launch an investigation when a child, who had been in care, had passed away.
A council spokesperson said: “The Care Inspectorate have been informed and there will be a multi-agency significant case review, commissioned by the chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, in accordance with our procedures.
“We are deeply shocked at Blake’s sudden death and our thoughts are with his family. We will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland as they carry out their inquiries.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the teenage boy and a JustGiving page, which was set up to pay for his funeral, has so far raised nearly £2,000.
A message posted on the page said: “Blake Ross was 13 and suffered a cardiac arrest he was also a diabetic. Please help to give him the send-off he deserves.
“He was a much-loved so, brother/triplet, grandso, nephew and great friend to many.
“Blake was such a lovely little boy and I feel us, the community, should do our bit to help give him the send-off he deserves, no matter how big or how small.”