Floral tributes left to Connor Brown in Sunderland city centre one year on from his death
The mindless murder of the adored 18-year-old shook the city and a community pulled together to support and share in the grief of Connor’s family and friends.
Connor, who worked as a receptionist at Happy House Surgery, was fatally stabbed while he enjoyed a night out with friends in the city centre on February 24, 2019.
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Hide AdExactly one year on, two roses have been placed under the striking memorial artwork painted on the side of Gatsby, in Derwent Street, and floral tributes and balloons have been left in the city centre.
A bouquet of flowers and two blue balloons have been tied to the bench in Park Lane where dozens of tributes were left in the immediate aftermath as the city came to terms with the senseless murder.
Tributes flooded in for Connor who was described as a ‘wonderful son'. The ‘kind, caring, lovely young man’ had a ‘heart of gold’ and has left a lasting impression on the hearts of Sunderland.
The red and white roses are accompanied with a touching note from the Farringdon lad’s friend, Dom Moan. It reads: “To Connor, always in my thoughts. Sleep tight champ.”
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Hide AdIt lies below the stunning artwork which was created by Frank Styles, a spray paint artist, as a lasting tribute to the amatuer boxer.
A statement on the Connor Brown - Too Loved To Ever Be Forgotten Facebook page said: “This artwork is on the side wall of Gatsby's in Sunderland and we hope this constant reminder to our younger generation will make some think about the dangers of carrying a knife and the devastation it causes.”
Last month, Connor’s parents Tanya and Simon Brown gathered in Gateshead as the Knife Angel statue was unveiled at The Sage.
Standing beside the 27ft sculpture, which is crafted out of 100,000 surrendered knives, Tanya spoke of how the family and close friends are setting up an organisation in Connor’s name.
She said: “We hope that Connor’s name will live in the hearts of everybody.”