Honouring Klevi's Memory

On Thursday 29th, an unjust act of violence prematurely claimed the life of Klevi Shekaj, 23 - a remarkable young man with a heart full of love, and a spirit full of promise. The happening of this tragedy came as a shock for his mother, who had shared a meal with him just hours before the tragedy, in celebration of Eid. At 11.16pm, when she called to say she was going to bed, he told her would be home in 5 minutes. At 11.33pm, just 17 short minutes later, police were called to the scene of the crime. At 2am in the morning, she opened the door to the news that her son would never be coming home. In the space in between, Klevi, who had been out with friends, was set on by assailants and stabbed, and tragically, had succumbed to his severe injuries.

While this story has been covered widely by the media, like many others, who are brushed with news stories of violence and tragedy in London, it is hard to imagine how deep the wound runs until it is someone you know or love. Even more so when they are taken in such a violent and unforgiving way. We would like to thank the people in the area for their immeasurable acts of kindness in trying to help Klevi and save his life. It means more than you know that during his final moments, Klevi was surrounded by the light and love of a selfless kind of humanity. Despite these moments of overwhelming grief, you are a reminder of the good that still exists in this world.

Klevi will forever be remembered as a radiant and affectionate son, family member and friend. He was respectful, modest and kind beyond words. Klevi’s kindness was not merely a virtue but a habit. His gentle nature was such that he would buy tuna and milk for a stray cat on the street that looked hurt or frightened (a story shared with us by a friend). He had a passion for crypto and business and his ambitions reached beyond the constraints of his surroundings. It is heartbreaking to know that his potential will never be fully realised.

It goes against the natural order of this life that a mother should ever have to bury their child - but it is especially cruel for a mother living alone to bury her only child taken by such an unforgivable act of violence. This is something she must grapple with for the rest of her life, a lifetime of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could-have-beens’. There are no words that do this justice - no sentence could ever sum up the impact that Klevi had on everyone around him or the hearts he touched. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him.

Klevi, you will live on in our hearts and we will speak of you often and with much love. It was an honour to know you and a privilege to love you.

With sincere thanks and love,

The Family of Klevi Shekaj.