Hundreds of people gathered near the spot where tragic teenager Kayden Moy was fatally stabbed to pay an emotional tribute as green balloons filled the sky. The moving event took place at Irvine Boating Pond, close to the scene where the 16-year-old from East Kilbride was murdered on May 17 last year. The youngster had tried to act as a peacemaker during a confrontation between rival groups.
Memorial details
Photos from Saturday's event showed hundreds of mourners dressed in green as they lined the edge of the pond in the summer sunshine. Many proudly wore Celtic tops in honour of Kayden, who was a massive fan of the Hoops. Supporters arrived carrying green balloons, creating a sea of colour as family, friends and members of the public came together to remember the much-loved teenager.
A moving video captured the emotional climax of the memorial as the huge crowd counted down together from 10 before releasing hundreds of green balloons into the bright sky. As the balloons drifted upwards, green smoke bombs were set off while chants of "One Kayden Moy" rang out across the park.
Family tribute
The memorial came just days after the Daily Record revealed how Kayden's heartbroken dad, Paul Moy, had paid a permanent tribute to his son by getting an emotional tattoo of the teenager's face inked onto his leg ahead of the gathering. Following the event, Kayden's dad Paul thanked everyone who attended and admitted he had been overwhelmed by the support shown for his son.
He wrote: "I would like to thank everyone for a great turn out for my boy Kayden Moy tonight. The love and support has been very overwhelming. We could not have done it without you all."
Background of the case
Kayden was just 16 when he was fatally stabbed on Irvine Beach after attempting to calm tensions during a confrontation between rival groups. Last month, three youths were convicted in connection with his killing following a harrowing trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Cole Turley, 18, admitted murder, while Jay Stewart, also 18, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of acting alongside him in the fatal attack.
Jurors heard the trio fled the busy beach after the stabbing. The court was told they later boasted about what they had done and even created a sick rap mocking the dying teenager. Judge Lord Scott deferred sentence on Turley, Stewart and the 15-year-old pending the preparation of background reports. The three are due to return to court for sentencing this month.
