The mother of a teenager who passed away while overseas without his heart has made a heartfelt plea to ensure her son’s memory endures. Harry Begg, aged 19, tragically lost his life in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Tenerife on December 1, 2025. Just before Harry’s funeral, Spanish authorities informed his mother, Nicola Gardner, that his body had been repatriated to the UK without his heart for further examination, as they initiated a murder investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Harry, hailing from Kirkby, was riding an electric bike in Arona, located in the southern part of the island when he was struck by a driver who fled the scene, resulting in fatal head injuries. Having left Liverpool for Tenerife 18 months prior to the incident, Harry’s untimely demise has left his family and friends devastated.
Expressing her anguish, Nicola emphasized the importance of keeping Harry’s memory alive, stating, “I refuse to let Harry be forgotten or overlooked. He was a remarkable person who will always be remembered.” The delay in repatriating Harry’s body back to the UK, the subsequent funeral arrangements, and the retention of his heart by Spanish authorities have left Nicola questioning the handling of the situation.
Despite the challenges faced, Nicola remains determined to seek answers and justice for her son. Harry, the youngest of four brothers, passed away just weeks before his 20th birthday, leaving his siblings Thomas, Ted, and Nicholas deeply saddened by the loss. Nicola highlighted the strong bond between Harry and Thomas, describing them as inseparable, and expressed the profound impact Harry’s absence has had on the family.
Reflecting on her last interaction with Harry before the tragic incident, Nicola shared the fond memories of their conversations and the sudden turn of events that led to her desperate journey to Tenerife. She expressed her ongoing struggle to come to terms with the loss of her son and the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of his death.
As the investigation into Harry’s death continues, Nicola remains resolute in her pursuit of truth and closure, determined to honor her son’s memory and ensure that he is never forgotten.