Tears and a call to action for tragic East Kilbride teen Kayden Moy as hundreds bid a final farewell
Kayden Moy was laid to rest on Friday with hundreds turning out to say a final goodbye to the popular teen who was taken so soon, and so tragically.
The youngster, aged 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire on May 17, and he later died at Crosshouse Hospital.
There were tears from friends, family and football teammates as the East Kilbride teenager's 11-year-old brother bravely carried his coffin into Linn Crematorium as a lone bagpiper led the funeral procession.
The service was held just five days after what would have been Kayden's 17th birthday.
In a heartbreaking post his dad Paul shared a poignant message on Facebook which read: "First you were my son, then you were my best friend, now you are my angel."
In a fitting tribute to his fun-loving personality, Kayden's favourite song Pump Up The Jam was played as mourners entered the crematorium.
Following the service, the congregation moved on to Philipshill Cemetery in East Kilbride.
Remembering Kayden as "kind, funny and full of life", his former football team Busby AFC paid tribute, saying: "Today, we said our final goodbyes to Kayden Moy.
"The turnout was truly incredible, a powerful reminder of just how many lives he touched.
"So many came to show their love, share memories, and stand together in honour of someone who meant so much to so many.
"Kayden, you were one of a kind. Kind, funny, full of life, and taken far too soon. We'll never forget you, and we'll carry your memory with us always.
"Rest peacefully, Kayden."
Praising Kayden's parents Paul Moy and Ashley Drummond for their strength on the day, one mourner said: "Ashley and Paul you gave your beautiful, precious boy the most amazing send-off today, you done him proud, as did every single one of his family and friends.
"It was utterly heartbreaking to see and hear how broken all your hearts are. To see a mum, dad, two young brothers, family, friends and so many young heartbroken faces, was one of the most difficult things I've ever experienced.
"Kayden was just a boy, loving and living his best life. Now, instead, Kayden is safely wrapped in the wings of the angels watching over you all. It is not goodbye precious boy, it's 'I'll see you again'. Forever loved and missed but never forgotten."
East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch & Community Impact Project have petitioned South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to urgently address the rise in knife crime and youth violence in East Kilbride.
More than 1500 people have signed the petition and an anti-knife crime march in Glasgow on Sunday stepped up their fight for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic.
Calling for action in Kayden's name, EKCA chair KJ Yates said: "No words can truly capture the pain of losing someone so young, so full of potential, and so deeply cherished by his community.
"Kayden's passing has shaken our town to its core. The outpouring of grief, love and solidarity from across East Kilbride and beyond is a powerful reflection of just how many lives he touched. From heartfelt tributes to silent vigils, the community has come together in sorrow, remembrance and unity.
"Let this moment be more than mourning. Let it serve as a call to action - a commitment that Kayden's name will not be forgotten, and that his memory will be a driving force behind real and lasting change. At EK Neighbourhood Watch & The Community Impact Project, we remain steadfast in our mission to confront the knife crime crisis and build a safer future for every young person in our town.
"May Kayden rest in peace - never forgotten, always remembered."
Three teenagers have been arrested following Kayden's death.
Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old have appeared in court charged with murder.
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