Family pays tribute as police name fatal nightclub stabbing victim amid search for killer
‘The universe has lost one of its greatest’: Family pays tribute as police name fatal nightclub stabbing victim amid search for killer
- Stabbing victim named by West Midlands Police as Akeem Francis-Kerr, 29
- Akeem, known as Keemz, was attacked at Valesha’s nightclub, Walsall, on Saturday.
- His family says the ‘universe has lost one of its greatest’ in emotional tribute
- Police have urged people to come forward with any information about the incident.
A man who was stabbed to death at a nightclub in Walsall on Saturday has been identified by police as they continue to investigate.
Akeem Francis-Kerr, 29, died after being attacked at Valesha’s nightclub, also known as the Coliseum, on Newport Street in the city center just after 5am. He was transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead on the way.
A fight had reportedly broken out before the fatal stabbing. West Midlands Police are now monitoring CCTV of the nightclub.
Tributes have poured in for Akeem, known locally as Keemz, including an emotional statement from his family.
They said, “The universe has lost one of its greatest men and his matchless energy, mindset and love will live on forever.”
Akeem Francis-Kerr, 29, has died after being attacked at Valesha’s nightclub, also known as the Coliseum, in Newport Street, Walsall.
Tributes have arrived to Akeem, known locally as Keemz, and flowers have been left at the site.
West Midlands Police were called to Valesha’s nightclub (pictured) just after 5am on Saturday
On social media, one person wrote: ‘It breaks me to hear what happened to Keemz. He rests in paradise young king. Sending love and strength to his family and friends.
Today is a sad day!! He is known by many and loved by all.’
And another added: “That contagious smile is gone forever, always so polite and humble and respectful to me.”
Friend Morgan Williams told him Mirror Akeem was a ‘respectful’ person and the ‘most funniest and smartest guy’.
“This is someone I thought would be in my life forever,” she said. ‘We talked a week ago about going to university in Coventry to be there more often.
“He was the funniest, smartest guy I’ve ever come across and he never deserved this.
Detective Inspector Ade George, leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Akeem’s family and friends as they come to terms with this terrible loss.”
“We continue to urge people to come forward, a man has died and his family has a right to know what happened to him.”
Police are urging people who were in the nightclub at the time to come forward and have set up a webpage where members of the public can submit relevant information, photos and videos at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/ 20HQ22L32-PO1 .