Father’s tribute to ‘light and soul’ son, 12 killed in Coventry ‘hit and run’

A schoolboy who died in a ‘hit and run’ has been described by his father as the ‘light and soul of our little family’, in a heartbreaking tribute.

Keaton Slater, 12, was tragically killed after being hit by a BMW which failed to stop while driving on a busy road in Coventry yesterday afternoon. The youth is believed to have been crossing Radford Road near an Aldi store when he was hit by the vehicle at 4.30pm. But despite the best efforts of paramedics, Keaton was seriously injured and died at the scene, West Midlands Police said.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward after the BMW was seized, with officers still working to trace the people who were in the vehicle at the time. Keaton’s father Clint Slater posted a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook as he told friends and family “I’m so devastated right now.” The message read: “With the most heartache I have ever felt in my life, my youngest son was killed in a run at 4.30am today on Radford Rd. At the age of 12.

“He was my mini, he was the light and soul of our little family. We can’t believe this happened still waiting for him to come into the room like the life of fun he was in. I’m so devastated . now. RIP the youngest boy.”

Keaton, who was a keen supporter of Coventry City FC, has funds raised in his memory to support loved ones following the tragedy. Organizer John McDevitt wrote on the JustGiving page: “No parent should ever have to face the trauma of losing a child so young. His family have been told about the JustGiving page and are very grateful that it is being done as they try to deal with what has happened.”

Mr McDevitt added: “It will help the family with funeral expenses and any other living costs, giving them time to begin to process and mourn the loss of their son and brother without the added burden of worrying about paying for a funeral and work. .”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to contact West Midlands Police on 101. Sergeant Rich Evans urged those involved in the fatal collision to “do the right thing” and come forward. The force said no arrests have been made so far.

Sergeant Rich Evans, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We would appeal to the driver or any passengers who were in the vehicle to do the right thing and contact us. A 12-year-old boy has tragically lost his life and we need you to come forward and surrender.”

He added: “We are helping to support the family at this very difficult time as they try to understand what has happened. We would also like to hear from witnesses or anyone with any information, including dash cam footage, to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log number 3407-140624. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”