Family pay tribute to Tameside teen Catherine Blackhurst found dead after reported missing

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The family of a 17-year-old girl who was found dead after being reported missing in Tameside have now paid tribute to her.

The girl has been publicly named as Catherine Blackhurst.

Catherine died after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were led to an address on Whalley Close in Ashton-under-Lyne at around 9am on Sunday 21 September, but despite the best efforts of all emergency service workers involved, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this time, investigating officers say her cause of death remains ‘unclear’, but detectives are ‘keeping an open mind’.

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, but has since been bailed.

Catherine’s family described her as being an ‘intelligent young lady’ who was ‘so full of life’ and had a ‘can-do attitude’ with the drive to achieve anything.

Paying tribute to her, Catherine’s family added: “Cat was a bright, beautiful young woman with an infectious enthusiasm for life. She left an instant, lasting impression and anyone she met instantly fell in love with her larger-than-life personality.

“Her siblings loved her endlessly, they enjoyed special individual memories with her that will be cherished forever.  

Catherine Blackhurst, 17, died after being reported missing in Tameside / Credit: GMP

“We can’t put into words what Cat meant to us. She was so funny and smart. She accepted people for who they were with no judgement and was never afraid to be herself.

“If love was enough, she would be here with us right now celebrating.”

Her family say they are ‘immeasurably saddened with her passing’ and are now asking that their privacy is respected as they begin to process her death and grieve as a family.

In the meantime, police are still appealing to the public for any information that may help them with their investigations.

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Anyone with any information, CCTV, mobile phone or Ring doorbell footage is urged to contact police on 0161 856 9307, quoting the log number 802 of 21/09/2025, or online via gmp.police.uk.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP