A wave of grief has swept through East Kilbride and Ayrshire after the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Kayden Moy at Irvine Beach, one of Scotland’s busiest coastal spots during the recent warm weather. The tragedy has left a family heartbroken, a school community stunned, and an entire town asking how a sunny day by the sea turned so dark.
Police confirmed that Kayden was involved in a disturbance among a large group of teenagers shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries the following day.
A 17-year-old male has since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
“Devastating Loss”: Family and Community in Mourning
Kayden’s mother, Ashley Moy, posted an emotional tribute on social media, calling her son’s death a “devastating loss” for the entire family. The pain radiated through every word.
“Our hearts are broken. Your kindness has provided so much comfort during this incredibly difficult time as we navigate the devastating loss of our son, Kayden,” she wrote in a message thanking clients of her beauty therapy business for their support.
Kayden leaves behind his parents and two younger brothers. The family described him as “kind and caring,” and said he would be “sorely missed.”
“He was loved by so many and that is shown in the huge number of heartfelt messages we have received since his death,” they added in a formal statement.
His father, Paul, also posted a tribute, calling Kayden “my best friend, my big boy, my main man, my everything.” The anguish was evident, and the words have since been shared widely online, resonating with families across Scotland.
“Full of Character”: School Pays Tribute
At Duncanrig Secondary School in East Kilbride, where Kayden was a pupil, staff and students are said to be “deeply shocked and saddened” by the killing. Head teacher Annette Alexander described Kayden as “a kind and caring young man, full of character.”
“He touched the lives of many within our school community,” she said. “He will be greatly missed, but he will always be remembered with affection in our school.”
South Lanarkshire Council, which oversees Duncanrig, confirmed that psychological and emotional support will be made available to pupils in the coming days. A spokesperson called Kayden’s death a “tragic event” and said the council’s focus would be on “supporting everyone affected.”
“One of Our Own”: Football Club Leads Fundraising Effort
The impact of Kayden’s death was also felt on the pitch. He previously played for Busby AFC, a youth football club that is now leading a fundraising appeal for the Moy family.
In a statement, the club said: “Kayden played in our youth set-up for several years and it has hit everyone hard. The club was devastated to find out that Kayden Moy sadly lost his life recently after being the victim of a knife attack.”
The online fundraiser has quickly gained traction, with contributions pouring in from friends, neighbours, and strangers alike. “Nothing will ever replace the life of an individual,” the club added, “but we hope this fundraising will help Kayden’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses as Shock Ripples Through Community
With the stabbing taking place on one of the warmest and busiest days of the year, police believe many people could have witnessed — or even filmed — the incident. The area was crowded with teenagers, families, and tourists at the time.
Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson of Police Scotland’s major investigations team made a direct appeal:
“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public. We are asking anyone who may have footage or information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. It could be the key piece we need.”
Superintendent Jim McMillan echoed that call, noting that the incident was “shocking and deeply upsetting for not just those at Irvine Beach on Saturday, but for Kayden’s family, friends, and the wider communities affected.”
Police have maintained a visible presence in the Irvine and East Kilbride areas since Saturday, and additional patrols are expected to continue in the days ahead.
Knife Crime Among Teens Under Renewed Scrutiny
Kayden’s death has reignited concern over knife crime among Scotland’s youth — a problem that, while reduced in the last decade, continues to claim lives.
According to recent statistics:
-
Youth knife crime in Scotland saw a drop between 2008 and 2020.
-
But incidents involving teenagers have risen slightly in the past two years.
-
The number of under-18s charged with knife-related offences increased 7% year-on-year in 2024.
Authorities have long credited initiatives like the Violence Reduction Unit and school-based outreach programmes for helping reduce weapon-related offences. However, high-profile cases like Kayden’s raise urgent questions about whether enough is being done.
Local councillors and MSPs have begun calling for renewed focus on youth engagement and community policing.
One local councillor, speaking anonymously, said: “We’ve made huge strides in tackling knife crime, but this shows how fragile that progress is. One moment of violence can destroy a family, a community, a future.”
