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Family of student stabbed to death in Fallowfield pay heartbreaking tribute to ‘gentle giant with big hopes and dreams’

'Our hearts yearn for the loss of Luke'

Daisy Jackson - 27th October 2022

The student who was stabbed to death in Fallowfield has been named as Luke O’Connor, as his family pay tribute to their ‘one of a kind’ relative.

Luke, 19, was stabbed on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield at around 2am on Wednesday 26 October.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, who performed CPR at the scene, he died of his injuries in hospital.

In a heartbreaking tribute, his family described him as a ‘gentle giant with big hopes and dreams for the future’.

They added that he loved football, music, and his student life in Manchester.

His family also said that he ‘had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life’ and was ‘truly one of a kind’.

Luke was a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, which said in a statement earlier today that his death was a ‘terrible shock to our whole community’.

Students who have been affected by Luke’s murder are being offered counselling and special support.

The full tribute from Luke’s family says: “Our hearts yearn for the loss of Luke; we are truly devastated by this tragedy. Luke was loved by so many people, and he knew how much he was loved in return.

“He was a second year Business Management student at university. He loved the freedom of student living and studying and was loving life in Manchester.

“Luke was the youngest of three boys in our family and was a gentle giant with big hopes and dreams for the future.

“His biggest dream was to travel the world, but now Luke will never be able to fulfil that dream.

“Luke loved music, football and was a big supporter of Liverpool Football Club, who he followed religiously from a young age.

“He had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life. He was truly one of a kind, who’s presence would light up any room.

“Luke’s friends also adored him, as he adored them. They often called Luke a ‘Legend’ and ‘the life and soul’ of everything he did. Everyone who met him, truly loved him.

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“Our lively, bubbly, beautiful boy has been taken from us and our family are now left with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

“Justice needs to be served as we have lost our beautiful young Luke, who was robbed of life.

“We will continue to honour his name for as long as we are all here, and his legacy with go on forever.”

Luke’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve for their loss.

Anyone with information should contact GMP by calling 101 quoting Log 240 of 26/10/22. Alternatively, you can report information via www.gmp.police.uk.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

Featured image: GMP