‘I just want my Levi back’ - grieving Elland mum of Levi Ogden speaks for the first time

An Elland mum has spoke of her grief after the tragic loss of her eldest child Levi Ogden who died earlier this month.
By Sam McKeown
Published 21st Nov 2019, 11:58 BST
Updated 22nd Nov 2019, 09:41 BST
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In an exclusive interview, Elland mum-of-five Clare Ogden, 44, said losing her eldest child Levi Ogden, 26, has left her feeling “angry” and in a constant state of “shock”.

Mum-of-two Levi died in the early hours of November 3 near Silver Street, in Halifax, after what police described as an “altercation” with a 26-year-old man.

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READ: Inquest opened into Halifax death of mum-of-two Levi OgdenMs Ogden said: “The only way I could describe the situation is surreal.

Clare Ogden with her daughter LeviClare Ogden with her daughter Levi
Clare Ogden with her daughter Levi

“I’m so angry, but I also feel like I’m in constant shock.

“It’s hard to come to terms with and I can’t deal with everyone sending me messages.

“Levi wasn’t just my daughter, she was my best friend - she was my rock.

“It’s like I’m waiting for Levi to just walk in and force me to make her a cup of tea.

Levi Ogden, 26, of EllandLevi Ogden, 26, of Elland
Levi Ogden, 26, of Elland

“I just want her back.”

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Levi’s mum revealed her daughter’s dream of becoming a social worker after completing an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care at Elland’s Brooksbank College.

“She’s always helped people, but after she got her qualifications she had children,” said Ms Ogden.

“We did speak about careers and she’d have made an amazing social worker.”

Clare Ogden revealed Levi (pictured as a toddler) lost her dad Lee Comer, 26, in the 1990s to a drug overdoseClare Ogden revealed Levi (pictured as a toddler) lost her dad Lee Comer, 26, in the 1990s to a drug overdose
Clare Ogden revealed Levi (pictured as a toddler) lost her dad Lee Comer, 26, in the 1990s to a drug overdose

After Levi’s death, her two childen have been under the care of her aunty Joanne Odgen, 49.

“We will give them everything we can,” said Joanne Odgen.

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“The Elland community have clubbed in to help our family which we’re so thankful for.”

Levi’s mum confirmed the last time she spoke to her daughter.

Levi with her grandma SylviaLevi with her grandma Sylvia
Levi with her grandma Sylvia

She said: “She dropped the kids off at my sister Joanne’s house and I got a message from her at around 10.30pm asking if I wanted to meet up with her in Yates.

“She was a homely girl and never a big drinker, and I regret not meeting her that night.

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“Levi was a strong person who would stand her ground, and if you were in the wrong she’d tell you straight up and that’s why people loved her.”

An event in Levi’s honour will be on November 29 starting 6pm onwards at Bankfield Social Club, in Huddersfield Road.

READ: Upcoming event held in memory of Elland mum-of-two Levi OgdenThe family confirmed a funeral is being held off for the time being due to personal reasons.