‘We will never get over Michael’
Reporter HE should have been starting his final year of school and looking ahead to a bright future.
But as Michael Quinn’s family prepare to mark the third anniversary of his sudden and tragic death, they have spoken of the agony of never being able to watch him grow up.
The popular Lemington lad passed away in October 2014 after suffering a massive asthma attack at his home.
Now three years on from their heartbreaking loss, Michael’s grandma June said the family would “never get over” his death.
“Every single day, as soon as the cemetery opens, we’re there,” said June, 59, from Benwell.
Talented singer Michael would have been turning 18 in February, and had dreams of studying law at university as well as pursuing a career in the music business.
June said: “He probably would have been going to university next year, and it’s hard to watch his friends get older.
“They’re growing into adults and we can’t see him become an only in our minds.”
On the day of his death, Michael had spent the day at Walbottle Campus school before returning home and taking his dog, Lilly, out for a walk.
But just minutes after returning to the house he shared with mum Linda Walker, now 35, he rushed to the top of the stairs, shouting for an ambulance to be called.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics to save him, the teenager suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of the sudden attack.
The tragedy shattered the close family, including Michael’s seven brothers and sisters, who are aged between 15 and two.
Sadly the youngest, Bluebell, was born four months after Michael’s death and will never get to know her big brother.
Over the past three years, many of Michael’s friends have taken part in charity events in Michael’s honour, to raise money for local charity North East Hearts with Goals.
One close pal, Bobbi Potts, raised thousands of pounds to have defibrillators placed schools, and now has dreams of becoming a paramedic to adult, help prevent similar tragedies.
June said: “It’s been three years but it doesn’t feel that long – we still wait for him coming through the door.
“I always look for his face in a crowd, especially if I’m Christmas shopping or something – Christmas was his favourite time of year.
“People say time’s a healer but it doesn’t get any easier.
“If anything it gets harder, but you just learn to cope with it better.”
As well as marking three years since he was taken from them, Michael’s family are also planning a large event to celebrate his 18th birthday in December.
June said: “We’re a very close family and when this happened it was like a part of us was taken away.
“Michael was what bonded everybody together – he was always full of fun and laughing.
“They all still know Michael, the little ones know him from his pictures – they’ll never, ever forget him.” Tragic Michael Quinn pictured with his idol, Ella Henderson.