A grieving sister has paid an emotional tribute to her “kind and bright” brother, Amen Teklay, who lost his life in a violent incident in Glasgow. The 15-year-old was found seriously injured on Clarendon Street in the city’s St George’s Cross area on Wednesday night. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘He Was My Best Friend,’ Says Heartbroken Sister
Delina Teklay, 17, spoke about her brother with deep affection, recalling the bond they shared. “He was not just my brother, he was my best friend,” she told BBC Scotland News. “He was the one I could go and talk to about anything. We grew up together, so we were very close.”
The pain of the loss is still sinking in for the family. “This was very unexpected and shocking for us. I just think this is a dream and I’m going to wake up tomorrow. I’m still in denial,” Delina said.
Her father, devastated by the tragedy, has been struggling to eat or drink. “We’re all devastated,” she added.
Police Launch Murder Investigation
Authorities have launched a full-scale murder investigation, describing the case as an isolated incident. Detective Superintendent Cheryl Kelly confirmed that officers are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting door-to-door inquiries. “We are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and anyone who has dash cam, CCTV, or doorbell footage around the time of the incident,” she said.
She also urged the local community to come forward with any information. “Answers lie with the local community,” she added.
A Young Life Filled with Aspirations
Amen Teklay had dreams of becoming a basketball player, a doctor, or an engineer. His sister said he had recently been granted ‘right to remain’ status in the UK. Originally from Eritrea, he had lived in Glasgow for about eight years with his father.
Claire McInally, headteacher of St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, where Amen was a student, described his death as a “shock to the school community.” She remembered him as a “friendly and much-loved young man who was really interested in music and the media.”
Flowers and Tributes Pour In
The community has been deeply affected by the loss. Floral tributes have been placed at the scene, with one heartfelt note reading: “Look at the stars, see how they shine for you. RIP son.”
Jamie O’Neill, a support worker at Kingsway Community Connections, expressed his grief. “We’ve lost Amen and we’ve seen how it’s affecting his family. We’re trying to be strong for them and do our duty to help,” he said. “We have to try and support the young people who knew him and looked up to him, who need a space to grieve and come to terms with what’s happened.”
Concern Over Amen’s Safety
According to O’Neill, Amen was a “cool and laid-back” boy who had a cheeky side but always knew his boundaries. He was seen as an “older brother” to younger kids in his community.
O’Neill admitted he had been worried about Amen recently. “The local area is relatively calm and safe for young people,” he said. “But Amen did hang about in other parts of Glasgow at times, so that would be my concern. I know this area well, and you know everyone’s faces here, but if you’re leaving this area, I would have concerns.”
Community Groups Mourn a Tragic Loss
Amen was actively involved in youth organizations in Glasgow. JATV Goals Youth Group, which offers film training for young people at boxing events, issued a statement mourning his passing. “His life was tragically taken from us by the type of violence boxing does so well to combat. Our community is heartbroken as we come to terms with the loss of a young boy who had his full life ahead of him.”
The police investigation remains in its early stages, with detectives determined to find those responsible. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that could aid their inquiries.
