Fred Ellison, the father of Adam Ellison, who was stabbed to death in Prescot in 2017, has died without seeing anyone brought to justice for the murder. The ADAM Foundation, set up in Adam's memory, announced his passing on Thursday.
Attack in Prescot town centre
Adam Ellison, 29, was walking home through Prescot town centre in the early hours of November 4, 2017, when he was attacked. He was on Market Place with friends after leaving a nearby pub. Around 12.40am, a green and white Kawasaki KX 85 Big Wheel scrambler bike carrying two men rode towards the group, coming dangerously close to hitting them.
Words were exchanged, and one of the men stabbed Adam in the neck with an unknown weapon. The riders sped off towards Tesco on Sewell Street, leaving Adam bleeding in the street. Despite efforts from those nearby and doctors at hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after 2am.
No charges and family's grief
Despite numerous arrests and hundreds of lines of enquiry, no one has been charged. Adam's family confirmed he had no involvement in crime or gang activity, and the tragedy appears to have followed a random encounter.
The ADAM Foundation, created to fight for justice and raise awareness about knife crime, announced Fred Ellison's death. A spokesperson said Fred was a “true gentleman” and that the family have been left devastated. The statement said: “It’s with a heavy heart we share the sad news of the passing of the lovely Fred Ellison. Fred was a loving father to Adam, Nicola and Joanne as well as a loving husband to Joyce and a devoted grandad to his beautiful grandchildren.”
Charity paused
The charity's work has been put on hold following Fred's death. The spokesperson said: “As you can imagine, his family are devastated by his loss and understandably have made the hard decision to pause The ADAM Foundation so they can take some much needed time to grieve the loss of Fred as well as still grieving for Adam and take some time to reflect.”
More than 250 messages of support were left in the comments section of the Facebook post. One woman said: “It was an honour to have known you Fred, you will be missed dearly.” A man said: “So very sad. Fred was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet as is Joyce and his devoted family.”
Appeal for information
On the eighth anniversary of Adam's murder last November, Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings said: “The investigation into Adam’s murder remains ongoing and our thoughts are with his family as we know the anniversary is a painful and difficult time for them.” She added: “People in the community who we know have vital information have stayed silent for too long and now is the time for them to step up and give the family the answers they deserve.”
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police on 101, via their social media desk @MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
