The devastated family of eight-year-old Rhys Anthony Cameron have paid an emotional tribute to the “cheery” youngster who was tragically found dead at his home in Billingham, as a 40-year-old woman remains in custody charged with his murder.
Rhys was discovered unresponsive at a property on Marsh House Avenue in Stockton-on-Tees on Monday, 15 September, with Cleveland Police called to the scene by ambulance staff at approximately 10am. Louise Cameron, 40, has since been charged with murder and is accused of killing the child between 13 and 15 September.
In a heartbreaking statement released through Cleveland Police, Rhys’s family described their devastating loss and the joy the youngster had brought to all who knew him.
“Rhys was a lovely little son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend to many who loved and knew him in the community,” the family said. “He had a cheery, funny and beautiful personality and carried a huge smile wherever he went that will forever be remembered.”
The family revealed touching details about what brought happiness to the eight-year-old’s life, adding: “His love for listening to music, playing with his friends and toothbrushes brought joy to us all.”
Expressing the depth of their grief, they continued: “To say we as a family are devastated is an understatement, Rhys will be missed more than we can ever put into words. We take comfort from the words of support we have received, and the love shown to Rhys as we continue to take time to come to terms with our tragic loss.”
The local community has rallied around the grieving family, with neighbours organising a vigil outside the youngster’s home on Friday, 19 September, at 5pm. Residents plan to release balloons on the green next to his house to show their love for Rhys and support for his family.
One of the vigil organisers, who wished to remain anonymous, told local media: “He was such a pleasant little boy, he was lovely, really nice.” She revealed her mother lived close to the family and “thought the world of them” including Rhys and his two siblings, adding: “She is distraught. We are doing this to show our respects, we want to show he was loved and cared about.”
Louise Cameron made her first appearance at Teesside Crown Court on 19 September via video link from Low Newton Prison, wearing a grey prison sweater with her long dark hair loose. Judge Francis Laird KC set a plea hearing date for 6 November, with a provisional trial date scheduled for 23 February 2026.
During a brief hearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 18 September, Cameron confirmed her name, address and date of birth. The court heard that she is charged with murder and the case can only be heard at crown court. She was remanded in custody until her next appearance.
An inquest into Rhys’s death was opened and adjourned at Teesside Coroner’s Court on Tuesday. Coroner Paul Appleton confirmed the youngster’s details, including his address on Marsh House Avenue, and stated that Rhys’s aunt had identified the child’s body.
The inquest heard that whilst a post-mortem examination had been performed, the medical cause of death remains “unexplained” with further investigations still to be carried out. The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
Cleveland Police confirmed that specialist officers are supporting Rhys’s family during this difficult time. A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts continue to be with them. A 40-year-old woman has been charged with murder and appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Friday 19 September. She has been remanded in custody until her next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday 6 November.”
The North East Ambulance Service confirmed their involvement in the tragic incident. A spokesperson stated: “We were called to a private address in the Marsh House Avenue area of Billingham shortly after 10am on Monday, September 15. We dispatched two double crewed ambulances, a clinical team leader and a duty officer to the scene.”
Rhys’s school, Ash Trees Academy, has also paid tribute to the beloved pupil. The specialist primary school, which is split across three sites in Billingham and caters for pupils with learning difficulties and autism, expressed their devastation at the loss.
Lauren Banks, head of the academy, said: “As a school community, we are devastated by the loss. He was a delight to all of us, his smile lit up the room and he was a true pleasure to have as part of our school family. We are thinking of all those who knew and loved him.”
The tragedy has deeply affected the tight-knit Billingham community, with hundreds of messages of condolence being shared on social media. Neighbours expressed shock and sadness at the news of the boy’s death, with many describing him as a “lovely little boy” who was well-known and liked in the area.
Forensic investigators were seen at the property on Monday and Tuesday following the incident, with a police presence maintained at the scene. The death was initially treated as “unexplained” before the murder charge was brought.
The case has highlighted the profound impact such tragedies have on communities, with residents coming together to support one another in their grief. The planned vigil demonstrates the community’s desire to show solidarity with Rhys’s family during their unimaginable loss.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on supporting Rhys’s devastated family and the wider community as they come to terms with the tragic loss of a child described by all who knew him as bringing joy and laughter wherever he went.
The trial is expected to take place in February 2026, with Louise Cameron remaining in custody at Low Newton Prison until her next court appearance in November.
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