Heartbroken father of Eritrean refugee teen, 15, found dead in Glasgow street pays tribute to his son – as boy, 14, is charged over death

The father of a 15-year-old boy found dead in a city street last night said he was not ready ‘to fully comprehend this devastating loss’.

Amen Teklay was found seriously wounded in Glasgow on Wednesday evening. Emergency services attended but the schoolboy died of his injuries.

At at a vigil for his son on Sunday, Teklay’s father urged the assembled community to ‘work together to ensure this does not happen again’.

The grieving parent, who fled to Scotland with his family as Eritrean refugees, was unable to address the crowds directly, explaining that he needed time to process his grief.

Instead, community support worker Jamie O’Neill, who had worked with the teen in his local neighbourhood of Knightswood, read out a statement on his father’s behalf.

He said: ‘This city is our home, and it is only through working together that we can make it safer for everyone. 

‘Let us find justice for Amen and make our city safer for all.’

‘We are gathered today in sorrow, mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of my son, Amen, who was proudly a member of this community. 

‘We are all still in shock, and none of us are ready to fully comprehend this devastating loss.

Members of the community gathered at a vigil for Amen

‘Amen was a remarkable young man, loved by everyone who knew him, and it breaks our hearts that such a tragedy has occurred. This should not happen to anyone.’

The statement continued: ‘We have lost our son, but it is important to remember that one or more lives will be affected by the loss of Amen. 

‘His death is not only a tragedy for our family but also a tragedy for the person or people responsible. This cycle of violence must be stopped.’

The speech was delivered to crowds at a vigil arranged by Teklay’s peers at the Kingsway Community Connections charity.

Relatives and friends gathered at a football pitch where the teen had played, and campaigned to save from redevelopment several years previously.

Some of the assembled youngsters wore T-shirts bearing Teklay’s image and reading the words ‘Forever 15’. 

They explained that they had designed the tops, which were available to buy at the memorial, to raise funds for their friend’s funeral.

After a moment of silence, crowds of mourners released balloons into the sky to muted applause.

Leading the memorial, Mr O’Neill stressed that the event was an opportunity for his community to celebrate Teklay’s life, and outlined possible plans to rename the park in his honour.

He said: ‘This vigil is an opportunity for so many different people that loved Amen to get together to reflect on his life, and to share in that love and energy.

‘Whether we make a park or dedicate a bench next, this is the start of something: we will keep meeting up and speaking so these young people can see visually that this is your community.’

The memorial comes after Police Scotland revealed that a 15-year-old has been arrested and a 14-year-old has been charged in connection with Teklay’s death.

Tributes were laid out to the teenager by friends and family

The 14-year-old boy is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, with police treating Amen’s death as murder.

Mr O’Neill cautioned the gathered community against speculation on social media, stressing that doing so could jeopardise a trial.

Local councillor Malcolm Mitchell added: ‘There is nothing that we can ultimately say that will offer enough comfort to the family. In such a short life, Amen touched so many people.’

Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Amen’s family and friends at this very difficult time. I would also like to thank the community for their support so far. 

‘Our investigation continues and I would ask anyone, who may have information which could help us and who has not yet come forward, to please contact us.’

Superintendent Christopher Stewart said: ‘We are continuing to support Amen’s family and continue to engage with the local community affected by this incident. 

‘There will continue to be a visible policing presence in the area and I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to approach a local officer – they are there to help.’