Neighbors alerted police on Tuesday morning and told them McKechnie had not been seen for several days. When officers arrived at his home in Whins of Milton, Bannockburn, Scotland, they were unable to gain entry; so broke down the door and discovered his body. His death is being treated as murder.
McKechnie had battled drug addiction for many years, but vowed to change his ways when he won £40,000 in the Irish Lottery last year.
McKechnie leaves behind three children: Shannon, 11; Ryan, 8; and Michael, 4. They are now orphans because their mother, Anne Marie Rooney, 44, passed away 8 weeks after Michael was born. Her death was presumed to be drug-related.
McKechnie's friend and neighbor, Kevin McKenna, said Ryan had managed to beat his addiction, but returned to old habits when his mother died. McKenna also stated the deceased was "a great guy", who did not manage to hold onto his lottery winnings for long because, "All his supposed mates started hanging around."
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham said the initial police assessment suggests Ryan died in the house, but the circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be established.
Police want to hear from anyone who can provide any information about McKechnie's death or who heard or saw anything suspicious around his James Street home.
Anyone who can assist the police with their enquiries should call the police on 101, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
