Teenager Reece Barrett Finds Mother Louise McKenzie Dead on Christmas Day in Bootle

An 18-year-old teenager, Reece Barrett, faced a heartbreaking start to Christmas when he discovered his mother, Louise McKenzie, 38, dead at their home.

The family had spent Christmas Eve shopping. Earlier that day, Louise had visited her doctor after feeling dizzy and was diagnosed with an inflamed pancreas. She was told it was nothing serious.

Louise McKenzie’s Sudden Passing

On Christmas Eve, Louise experienced dizziness and a headache. She rested at home while Reece went out briefly to see friends. Before going to bed, he said goodbye, exchanging “Merry Christmas, I love you” with his mother.

The next morning around 11 a.m., Reece found Louise curled up on the bathroom floor. He tried to wake her and performed CPR after calling emergency services. Paramedics arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reece told the Liverpool Echo, “It was the craziest shock. My world has been turned upside down.”

Tributes and Family Background

Reece described his mother as a “lovely, people person” who always had a laugh and a joke for everyone. Louise had spent years caring for Reece and their large dog, Virgil, while managing daily life.

Authorities believe Louise McKenzie died from a brain hemorrhage, likely linked to the dizziness and headache she experienced on Christmas Eve.

Reece Barrett’s Next Steps

After his mother’s death, Reece is living with his girlfriend, Holly, and her family while arranging his own accommodation. He said he is struggling financially, as he has never managed bills or household costs alone.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Holly’s mother, Vicki Bradshaw, to help Reece with living expenses and provide a stable home for him and Virgil. Reece expressed gratitude:

“At first, I thought I’m not one to ask for help, but it’s the biggest help I’m going to get during the hardest time of my life,” he said.