THE turquoise waters of Gullet Quarry were transformed into a sea of tiny twinkling lights in a moving tribute to a much-loved Worcester teenager.
More than 100 people gathered in memory of Russell O’Neill, from Ronkswood, at a candlelit vigil held at the place where he tragically lost his life.
Family and friends of all ages met at a memorial at the quarry where dozens of floral and written tributes have been left beneath a shirt of Liverpool Football Club – the 17- year-old’s favourite team.
Shortly before 9pm, his loved ones made their way to the waters’ edge, lighting candles and carefully placing them onto the waves that gently lapped the shore.
In one touching gesture, tealights were used to spell out “Russ”
on a wooden board, while other tributes were adorned with flowers.
A football covered with loving messages was also released onto the water.
Several of those in attendance also paid homage to the promising footballer by wearing Liverpool shirts emblazoned with “Russ 17” and “R ONEILL 17 RIP”.
As dusk descended, the crowd erupted into spontaneous chants of “Russell” and applause that echoed around the cliff face in a heart-rendering farewell to a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and friend.
The vigil was held ahead of a celebration of the teenager’s life which took place at St Martin with St Peter’s Church in London Road, Worcester yesterday.
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