…By Henry George for TDPel Media. Teammates of two young sports stars stabbed to death in Nottingham embraced and broke down in tears as they gathered at a mass vigil on Wednesday night.
Talented cricketer Barnaby Webber and England under-18 hockey player Grace Kumar, both 19, were killed during a violent spree in the early hours of Tuesday that has rocked the country, and also left primary school caretaker Ian Coates dead.
Grieving Teammates Pay Tribute at Vigil
Dressed in sports strips, grieving teammates of the teenagers – both University of Nottingham students – gathered at a vigil attended by thousands on Wednesday night to lay flowers and remember them.
Mr Webber’s teammates attended the vigil at the University of Nottingham, where they were joined by others in offering their condolences and support.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Mr Webber and Ms Kumar, who was from north-east London, were walking home from a night out in Nottingham just after 4am on Tuesday when they were stabbed to death.
After they were found unresponsive in Ilkeston Road, Mr Coates was found fatally knifed in Magdala Road before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street, leaving three more people injured, one critically.
A 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder.
Fathers Pay Emotional Tributes
At Wednesday’s vigil, the students’ two fathers, who were previously strangers, paid tribute to their children.
Mr Webber’s father David expressed his gratitude to the attendees, stating that his son’s heart would be with them forever.
Ms Kumar’s father Sanjoy urged the students to take care of each other and acknowledged the overwhelming support present at the vigil.
Family Remembrances of the Victims
Family members remembered Ms Kumar as a “truly wonderful and beautiful young lady” who was a “best friend” to her brother James.
The Webber family described Barnaby as a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.”
Both families expressed their devastation and the immense loss they feel.
Tributes Pour In for the Victims
Tributes to all three victims have flooded in since their death.
Mr Coates’ sons left tributes at the scene of his death, emphasizing their father’s love for Nottingham Forest Football Club and his dedication to helping young people.
Bishops Hull Cricket Club, of which Mr Webber was a member, remembered him as a dear friend and a key part of the club.
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan also paid tribute to him.
Bright Futures Cut Short
Grace Kumar was a popular member of England hockey teams, and England Hockey expressed their deep sadness over her tragic death.
Reports indicate that the suspect in custody was a west African migrant with a known mental health history who had settled legally in the UK.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage for further clues and are working with counter-terrorism police while keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack.