As 2025 draws to a close, Sutton Coldfield reflects on a year overshadowed by sorrow and loss. Twelve families in the town have faced unimaginable grief due to a series of tragic deaths—some accidental, others resulting from deliberate acts, and a few remaining unexplained.
Among the most heart-wrenching cases was the disappearance and death of Luis Piovesana, a cherished former barman from Sutton Coldfield. Luis vanished during a night out in Bristol in late February, and days later his body was recovered from the River Frome. Remembered as a “gift to everyone in his life,” his passing left a deep void in the community.
In late March, another mystery unfolded when Guled Hussein’s body was found in a remote Sutton Coldfield field, far from his Birmingham home. While initially treated as unexplained, police later ruled out suspicious circumstances. His family and friends continue to seek closure.
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April brought tragedy to the quiet Aston Manor Golf Club when Suzanne Cherry, a devoted mother of three, was fatally struck by a van pursued by police. The incident triggered a criminal investigation, with three men pleading not guilty to manslaughter charges, and an independent inquiry into police conduct is ongoing.
Summer’s warmth was shadowed by the drowning of 16-year-old Daniel Drewitt at Powell’s Pool, a beloved local spot known for hosting Commonwealth Games triathlon events. Just a day after Daniel’s tragic death, Sutton Coldfield mourned again following the unexplained passing of a woman on the Cross City Line railway track.
August was marked by two fatal collisions on Thornhill Road in Streetly. First, a man in his late 70s died after being hit by a vehicle, prompting an investigation into dangerous driving. Less than two weeks later, 17-year-old motorbike enthusiast Theo Ganderton lost his life in a late-night crash, prompting a heartfelt community tribute and an upcoming inquest.
The same month saw the tragic death of Natasha Thorp, 21, struck by a car on Brassington Avenue, alongside injuries to another woman. The community rallied in support, honoring Natasha’s memory as a “one in a million” whose life was filled with joy and laughter.
A particularly mysterious loss occurred at The Laurels assisted living facility in Mere Green, where a man’s unexplained death left residents fearful and investigators seeking answers. Police have released images related to the case but the identity remains unknown.
In a heartbreaking incident abroad, 13-year-old Kasey-Lei Greene, originally from Sutton Coldfield, died suddenly from cardiac arrest while at a cinema in Abu Dhabi. Her family returned home to mourn, holding a touching funeral that saw the community come together in remembrance.
September also claimed the life of John Bardsley, a beloved golfing captain and local sportsman, who collapsed and died during a tournament in Kent. John’s passing was deeply felt by friends and family, who remember him for his kindness and infectious humor.
Lastly, Sutton Park witnessed another sad loss in November when a man was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. Police treated his death as non-suspicious, and an inquest will provide more information in due course.
As Sutton Coldfield enters 2026, the community continues to honor the memories of those lost this year, standing together in support and remembrance amid the lingering questions and unresolved sorrows.