Hundreds gather to remember Keaton Slater as family say Coventry was ‘unbelievable’

Hundreds of people gathered in Coventry to mark a week since the tragic death of 12-year-old Keaton Slater. Young Keaton was hit by a BMW while crossing Radford Road on Friday, June 14.

Keaton, who went to Cardinal Newman Catholic School, has been a keen supporter of Coventry along with the rest of his family, and many fans gathered to pay their respects and release balloons last night (Friday June 21 ). A short service was held on Radford Common, just yards from where the 12-year-old was killed.

Songs Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra and Memories by Maroon 5 were thrillingly played while blue light flares and balloons were released just after 7 p.m. Parents Louise and Clint Slater also attended and said the support they had received since the tragedy had been “unbelievable”.

READ MORE: Dolars Aleksanders latest hunt as ‘prime suspect’ in Keaton Slater death said to be ‘searching for conscience’

Organizer Shane Brown read a statement on behalf of Keaton’s family. It said: “We just want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the warmth, love and compassion that everyone has shown to everyone, it’s unbelievable. It’s so overwhelming.”

Mr Brown continued: “We just wanted to say thank you to everyone from our friends to the local community and those who have contacted us, everyone has been amazing. Please can we get justice for Keaton and do everything in our power to assist the police in their inquiries and the search for the person who was responsible for his untimely death.”

Father Benedict Skipper, of St Augustines, who led the prayers, said he was impressed by the resilience shown in the city since the tragedy happened. As the vigil drew to a close yesterday, a rainbow-coloured cloud appeared in the sky, prompting cheers from the crowd, who said the much-loved young man was “watching from above”.

MP Taiwo Owatemi said the proceedings were “incredibly moving”. She said: “Over the last week my thoughts have been with Keaton Slater, who was tragically killed in a hit and run on Radford Road. My heart aches for his family and loved ones as they try to get through this unimaginable loss.

“Seeing how our community came together to pay tribute to Keaton and support his family was incredibly moving. Keaton and his family deserve justice and we will not stop until we get it.”

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