Heartbroken mum of Aberdeenshire man found dead in Colombia pays tribute to 'loving' son

Austen Arango Smith was found dead in Colombia
-Credit: (Image: Facebook)


The grief-stricken mother of an Aberdeenshire man who was found deceased in a Colombian apartment has lovingly remembered her "loving, caring" son.

Austen Arango Smith, aged 27, was discovered in a property on the fourth floor in Villamaria on Sunday morning.

His remains were transported to a forensic medicine institute in Manizales for an autopsy. Austen, originally a fisherman from Banff on Scotland's north coast, had relocated to Colombia last year to be nearer to his father.

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He had recently survived a severe motorbike accident in the country, which left him comatose, but the exact cause of his death is still uncertain. During an emotional funeral service on Tuesday, Austen's heartbroken mother, supported by loved ones, honoured her son.

In her eulogy, translated into Spanish for attendees, she expressed: "Austen brought so much love into my life. Growing up he became a happy, loving, caring, helpful, intelligent wee boy. After leaving school, he studied to be on the standby boats - a job he loved. He loved being at the sea.

"Then in 2022 he decided he wanted to visit his dad and his Colombian family. I knew I'd miss him so much but I had to let him go. Unfortunately, Austen was out on his dad's motorbike and had an accident. It was life threatening. He spent weeks in a coma but he pulled through - his determination to get better paid off.", reports the Daily Record.

"I spent months with Austen here in Colombia until I had to return home, but we kept up our communication with WhatsApp calls and videos. We were always connected one way or another.

The eulogy was also read in Spanish through a translator
The eulogy was also read in Spanish through a translator -Credit:YouTube

"Austen used to get so excited at times telling me what he had been up to or how work had been. Until his last day we were together - and he will be in my heart forever more. So many good memories, along with some challenges, which we all have in life. Every day was precious and I will treasure them all forever. Rest in peace Austen."

The funeral service for Austen was available via a live YouTube stream, allowing family members in Scotland to witness the ceremony online. Austen's grieving mother was seen standing next to his photograph, overcome with emotion during the service.

Austen's mum broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her beloved son
Austen's mum broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her beloved son -Credit:YouTube

Local reports on the cause of death have been scant, but a regional paper noted that Austen experienced trouble breathing and was found unresponsive in his room at the Atenas building. Despite prompt arrival, he was pronounced dead by emergency services at the scene.

Villamaria, a locale favoured by tourists within Caldas' department, is nestled in the coffee-rich region of Colombia. Although its only a 190-mile journey from the capital city of Bogota, the trip can take close to eight hours by car.

At present, there are no indications that the passing of the British citizen is being investigated as suspicious.

A representative of the Foreign Office confirmed: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Colombia".