Funeral tributes to popular Kevin (From Thurrock Gazette)

Funeral tributes to popular Kevin

7:50am Thursday 19th April 2012 in News

HUNDREDS of people gathered at the funeral of an aspiring footballer who died tragically.

It was standing room only in Grays parish church as family and friends paid moving tributes to Kevin Koromah.

The 14-year-old, from Chafford Hundred, who went to Grays School, passed away in his sleep on March 19.

Kevin’s father and brother led the tributes at the service, where close friends and Kevin’s mentor, Ayo Oshunremi, addressed more than 200 mourners gathered in the St Peters and St Paul Church.

Followed by a cortege of vehicles, a white, horse-drawn hearse decorated with floral tributes from family members, carried Kevin’s coffin to the church.

Mum Alice, father Sanusee, older brother Ian and sister Jobeth followed as pallbearers, then carried Kevin into the church.

The cause of Kevin’s death is not yet known, but could be linked to a seizure he had late last year.

In a passionate speech, Sanusee said: “On March 19 this year, not only did Kevin die, part of me died with him. I cannot even begin to tell you how much pain I felt or how much pain I have been in since Kevin died.”

It was Sanusee who discovered his son’s body that morning.

He added: “I did cardiopulmonary resuscitation, his mum came in and did mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and the medics came. But our efforts were in vain.

“I have had so many sleepless nights. Sometimes I have cried myself to sleep. Go in peace son. I will never forget you. I will love you forever.”

Ian, 20, who is a signed recording artist known as Maxsta, said: “The pain I feel now, I will still feel when I am 90-years-old. I feel I will never be the same again.”

Kevin was a promising footballer who played for Thurrock district teams and supported Arsenal. At the service, his friends paid moving tributes to their pal.

Joseph Francis, Kevin’s best friend, said: “Kevin was my little brother, my partner in crime and my best friend. I love you and I miss you. There will always be a day I wish you were by my side.”

* A football tournament took place in memory of Kevin Koromah. A hundred youngsters took part in matches next to Harris Academy.