The family of a 23-year-old man from Allerton are mourning his sudden death after he was found unresponsive at his grandmother's home on Saturday, October 4. Ethan Dowden, described by his family as a kind and creative young man, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his loved ones seeking answers and support from the community.
A postmortem examination is set to take place to determine the cause of his death. In response to the tragedy, a family friend has launched a fundraiser to help cover the unexpected funeral costs, aiming to provide a fitting farewell for a man remembered for his politeness and warm smile.
Key Takeaways
- Ethan Dowden, a 23-year-old from Allerton, died suddenly on Saturday, October 4.
- He was found unresponsive by his girlfriend at his grandmother's residence.
- His family described him as a well-mannered and creative individual who was training to be a welder.
- A fundraiser has been established by a family friend to help with funeral expenses.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
Ethan Dowden, who worked at the Jacob's cracker factory in Aintree, was discovered by his girlfriend around noon on Saturday. Emergency services were called, but he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The news has left his family and friends in a state of shock and profound grief.
His mother, Helen, 47, shared memories of her son, describing him as a sensitive and caring person. She highlighted his respectful nature and how well-liked he was by everyone he met. His sudden passing has left a void that his family is struggling to comprehend.
"Ethan was such a pleasant boy. Everybody commented on his manners and how kind he was, how sensible he was," his mother, Helen, said. "He was a happy soul but he had his dark demons, mental health wise."
The family is currently awaiting the results of a postmortem examination, which they hope will provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death. In the meantime, they are trying to support one another through an unimaginably difficult period.
Remembering Ethan Dowden
Friends and family remember Ethan not just for his kind nature but also for his creative talents and interests. He was training to become a welder, a skilled trade that reflected his hands-on abilities. Beyond his professional aspirations, Ethan had a passion for the arts and the outdoors.
"He was an intelligent young man. He was a creative young man. He enjoyed photography," Helen explained. This creative side was complemented by a love for nature. "He loved being outdoors, he loved camping out by himself," she added, painting a picture of a thoughtful individual who found peace in solitude and the natural world.
A Well-Loved Member of the Community
Ethan was known throughout his community for his character. His mother recalled how people consistently praised him. "Anyone that met my son always said how lovely he was and how polite and well-mannered. He had a lot of respect for people. He hated to see anyone suffer," she stated. This deep sense of empathy was a defining part of his personality.
These memories are what his loved ones are holding onto as they navigate their grief. His father is described as being "absolutely devastated," and his two sisters are heartbroken by the loss of their brother.
Community Rallies in Support
In the wake of the tragedy, family friend Suzanne Fox took action to help ease the financial burden on Ethan's family. Understanding the immense emotional and financial pressure they faced, she established an online fundraiser with a goal of raising £800 for funeral and memorial costs.
Suzanne, whose son attended primary school with Ethan at Southbank Infant School and Gilmour Primary, remembered him as a "lovely, sweet kid." She reconnected with Helen in recent years and felt compelled to help after hearing the devastating news.
"She was panicking over how on Earth she could find the money to bury her son, because she's not well herself," Suzanne said of Helen's situation. "Everyone wants to make sure their kid's last goodbye is perfect."
The fundraiser represents a practical way for the community to show its support and solidarity with the grieving family, allowing them to focus on mourning their son without the added stress of financial worries.
A Mother's Grief
For Helen, the loss of her only son is compounded by other personal challenges, including caring for her own terminally ill father. The emotional toll has been immense, affecting her health and wellbeing.
"I feel terrible. I've had to be on sedation medication. I'm not sleeping, I'm not eating," she shared. The reality of arranging a funeral for her 23-year-old son is a burden no parent expects to bear. "It's not something you ever dream or imagine, to bury your son before you go," Suzanne commented on her friend's pain.
Details of the Fundraiser
- Organizer: Suzanne Fox, a friend of the family.
- Goal: £800 to assist with funeral and headstone costs.
- Purpose: To alleviate financial pressure on Ethan's family during their time of grief.
- Link: The fundraiser can be found on the GoFundMe website under the title "Ethan Dowden."
Helen expressed her gratitude for the support, explaining her desire to give her son a memorial that honors his life. "I just want something that proves that my son was something in this world," she said. The community's response aims to help her achieve that wish, providing comfort by showing that her son's memory is valued by many.