Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
‘He was the perfect kid’
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE COME TOGETHER AND PAY THEIR RESPECTS TO MURDERED YOUNG MAN TASHAN DANIEL
THE parents of Tashan Daniel witnessed him die on a Tube platform at Hillingdon Underground station.
The 20-year-old aspiring photographer and prospective Olympian was killed on Tuesday September 24 after being stabbed on a train.
Tashan had been with a friend heading to see his favourite team Arsenal face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium when he was knifed.
Police were called to Hillingdon station just before 4pm, along with paramedics and an air ambulance team.
Soon after, Daniel’s dad Chandima and mum Celia were at the station watching their son die, the BBC reports.
Mr Daniel, 48, said he arrived at the station to find paramedics fighting to save his son, who had been making his first trip to see Arsenal play without his dad.
He had made it to Hillingdon station just as it was being evacuated and was even able to hold Tashan’s hand.
“I was hoping it was mistaken identity – there was no way it was going to be Tashan,” he said.
“I could see as I was running down the stairs he was being worked on, on the platform floor.
“The air ambulance were telling me they had done everything they could and his heart had stopped for 20 minutes. It was all a blur.”
Tashan’s mum, also 48, said she was able to “hold his hand for a tiny second” while paramedics trying to save his life.
Tashan’s family told the BBC that he had bought a ticket to watch Arsenal “as a birthday present to himself”, having turned 20 on September 22.
The family added that he had lunch with his mum before leaving for the match and took his grandfather to a daycare centre for a taster session.
Mr Daniel said: “He swapped an appointment around because he knew how important it was to the family.
“He put his Arsenal shirt on, I was doing something on the computer and he was helping me.
“He was short on time – he ruffled my hair, gave me a kiss on the cheek and that’s the last time he left home.”
As well as being a photographer, Tashan was a full-time athlete and ran with Hillingdon Athletic Club.
His coach said he was “the perfect kid” who “always went the extra mile for his team and community”.
“Tashan wanted to make the Olympics,” Mr Daniel said.
“He set his standards high, he was hardworking and did everything we asked him to.
“The glowing references just fill my heart with joy and we never realised how much of a joker he was. He was a real family-orientated boy and he was a beautiful soul.”
■ In an incredible display of strength family, friends and the local community came together for a vigil in memory of Tashan.
One by one in the pouring rain on Thursday September 26, loved ones summoned the courage to speak in front of the crowd to thank them for their solidarity and tell stories of a vibrant young man who touched the lives of many.
Tashan’s father Chandima spoke of his love for his son and said: “We are still in a state of shock about what happened. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions hearing wonderful things about my son. I knew he was a great, great person, but on a daily basis I am hearing amazing things about him that make me so proud.”
Reverend Reg Craig, the minister at Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, led the vigil, which began at 6pm at Hillingdon station.
After prayers led by the reverend, and a group rendition of Amazing Grace, Tashan’s uncle, best friend and athletics coach also spoke about Tashan. Many of those gathered in the rain placed flowers, photos and candles at a shrine.
Some stood for a few moments to reflect on the tragic events that happened just two days before.
■ DCI Sam Blackburn, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Tashan was an upstanding young man. He had only just celebrated his 20th birthday and was heading into London to watch Arsenal play.
“He did not deserve to lose his life during this senseless attack.
“His family are completely broken by this news and we are doing everything we can to offer them support.
■ Tashan’s former school, Bishopshalt School has expressed its sorrow after the death of a former “model student”.
Head teacher Liam McGillicuddy issued a statement that reads: “Bishopshalt School are extremely saddened by the senseless attack on our ex-student Tashan on Tuesday evening.
“Tashan was a model student and was highly thought of by all members of the school community.
“This abhorrent event, has had an immense and devastating impact on our staff and students.
“We will work with them and the wider community in the coming weeks and months to try to honour the memory of this young man, whom had such a bright future ahead of him.
“Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this incident, and especially his family and friends. Bishopshalt will work to support the family as best as we can.”