‘They were best friends – loved not only by their families but by their community as well...’
THE family of one of two teenagers whose deaths in a bike crash sparked rioting over claims they were being pursued by police yesterday pleaded for “peace within the community”.
Harvey Evans, 15, died along with his best friend, Kyrees Sullivan, 16, when the electric bike they were riding crashed in the Ely area of Cardiff on Monday evening.
In a statement released by South Wales Police yesterday, Harvey’s family said: “Our hearts are truly broken by the sudden death of Harvey, our much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, friend and boyfriend.
“He lived life to the full, he had a big heart and deep down he truly cared.
“He was a best friend to Kyrees and our thoughts and prayers are with his family also.
“We ask for peace within the community and request that people leave the investigation to the police so we can get the answers we so desperately need to lay Harvey to rest. As Harvey’s mum, I want to remember our son as the fun and loving son that he was, and not as the media are portraying him now.”
Kyrees’ family also paid tribute and thanked the local community for their support since his death.
“Kyrees was a loving, caring handsome young man, a loving son to Belinda and Craig, little brother to Aleah and Jordan and a special uncle KyKy to Myra,” they said.
“He was loved so much by his grandparents and aunties and uncles and his many cousins. Him and Harvey along with Niall were best friends since they were young and went everywhere together, they both had so many friends and were very well liked, doing many things together, having fun and laughs.
“They were loved by not only their families but by their community as well.
“Belinda, Craig and families, would like to thank everyone for all their kind words, flowers, and messages since they lost their son.”
Police said they were continuing to investigate the collision and were appealing for witnesses, information, CCTV and footage from mobile phones and social media.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into “any interaction” between the South Wales force and the teenagers.
The boys’ schools have also paid tributes to them. Greenhill School, where Kyrees attended, said: “Words cannot describe how sorry the whole school community is to hear of the tragic loss of Kyrees Sullivan. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and ability to make those around him smile.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who were close to him in this time of grief.”
A tribute to Harvey from Bryn-yDeryn School reads: “Harvey was a popular member of our school community.
“He was an able learner. He always arrived to school with big smile on his face and wisdom to share! He was an excellent sportsman and loved to debate on matters that he was passionate about. Our school community are devastated at the loss of this fun, kind, family-focused young man.”
Meanwhile, a wall of floral tributes was left at the scene of the fatal crash.
Balloons spelling the boys’ names have been attached to a fence, as have a wall of flowers and messages.
A lamppost near the crash site has also been covered, with a ladder used to attach tributes all the way up. Banners with the words “you’ll be missed” have also been placed.
Bridy Bool, who lives nearby, said she knew the family of Harvey Evans. Paying tribute to the teenager, she said: “Harvey was such a young boy,
a sociable boy, he had loads of friends and he loved motorbikes and football.
“He was best friends with Kyrees and were into the same things. It was not unusual for them to be together.”
A family friend said: “I’m OK in myself, I’m just absolutely devastated and heartbroken for my friends. My heart is hurting.
“That’s the little boy I used to babysit and push around in a pram. It is so, so sad. They both went to see their boys yesterday and they are both very numb and haven’t got much to say at the moment.”