Superhero funeral for tragic Conley, 7, in Barnsley

Conley Thompson was found in a pipe on the construction site after telling his mother he was going to play with friends.

Family and friends attended Conley’s funeral today wearing clothing patterned with Marvel comic book characters to reflect the young boy’s love of the cartoons.

His coffin, which was also decorated with superheroes, arrived at St Thomas and St James’ Church, in Worsbrough, in a horse-drawn hearse with the driver dressed as Spider-Man.

Floral tributes included Thor’s hammer and an Avengers-themed wreath and one mourner carried a Spider-Man balloon.

Conley’s mother, Paula, wore a Marvel comic dress, while his grandmother wore leggings patterned with the superheroes and a red t-shirt that read Conley and Super Nan-nan.

Reverend Trevor Keightley described Conley as a “loveable rogue” during the funeral service.

He said the young boy, who would have celebrated his 8th birthday yesterday, loved climbing and music, and was “cheeky”.

Rev Keightley said: “Everyone in Worsbrough, and around the country, was shocked when we heard of Conley’s tragic death.

“Conley remains with us through the memories that many will have of him. We’ve been touched by Conley near and far.

“He was so full of life and promise, and that’s what hurts the most: never seeing him grow up.

“So we are left with the memories of Conley and those memories are to be treasured.”

Rev Keightley read out a poem written for Conley by his aunt before he was born. Another poem described Conley’s love of Spiderman, Iron Man and the Avengers.

A search for Conley was launched on July 26 when he failed to return home after telling his mother he was going to play with friends.

His body was discovered the following day in a pipe on the building site. A post-mortem examination found that Conley died after becoming stuck in the vertical pipe.

South Yorkshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Detectives are investigating Conley’s movements on the day of his death and appealed for anyone who may have seen him after 6pm on Sunday July 26 to come forward.