THOUSANDS OF mourners including Stormzy gathered for a candlelit vigil in Croydon, London, at the scene where 15-year-old Elianne Andam was stabbed to death on her way to school.
Relatives and community members at the vigil left cards, flowers and photos at the Croydon bus stop where the teenager was fatally attacked a week ago.
Stormzy, real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr., who hails from Croydon, stood in solemn solidarity with Elianne’s family as people at the vigil Individuals reflected on her life.
Prayers were said and a choir sang “Amazing Grace,” with mourners also singing the hymn. Bishop of Croydon, Rosemarie Mallett then read out a statement on behalf of the teenager’s family.
She said: “We, as a family, are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken and we are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief.
“Our faith in the Lord is strengthening us. We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers. We kindly ask for your consideration to also respect our need for privacy as we attempt to come to grips with our deeply devastating loss.”
“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out, who loved Jesus. She was intelligent and had a bright future ahead of her. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Elianne’s mother, Dorcas Andam, wore a black and white scarf as she held a candle for her daughter and paid tribute to her daughter.
She said: “She brought joy to so many, including her friendships. She was an amazing, beautiful, girl. She loved and touched lives around her.
“I can’t believe we won’t be seeing her anymore. I can’t believe she won’t be there to complain about her teenage activities.
She continued: “We should be planning her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for. It was a sad day for the whole family, now we are planning her funeral.”.
A 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.
Croydon magistrates court heard that he stabbed Elianne while she tried to retrieve a teddy bear he had taken from a friend last Wednesday (September 27).
Police and paramedics were quickly called to the scene but were unable to save Elianne and she died less than an hour later.
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4 Comments
Great photo but where is the support from white brothers and sisters?
We are all broken at this moment. We share the payin and the loss of such a beautiful girl. why are children killing each orher. I hope that they get this animal that did this and put him away for along time. A few seconds of loss control and a whole life time of lived destroyed , which Will never be the same again.
We love you so much, ellyiane and we have never met you. You have touched our souls so much. Such a eautiful person, home to soon. Get the monster that did this and make him realise what he has done and all the lived that he has destroyed forever.
Elianne Will never be forgotten. I am a mum. I love her like my own child. I have cried so much over this. It it not right. I am ashamed to think that all this horrible violence is going on in my country. It makes me so very sad, and very scared for my children.