The grieving family of a 15-year-old schoolboy who was fatally stabbed in a woodland area have publicly thanked the bystanders who provided comfort during his final moments. Talented young footballer Luis Guembes lost his life in a brutal knife attack near Stoke Park in Guildford, Surrey, which occurred shortly after 6pm on January 19.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, have been formally charged with murder, conspiracy to rob, and possession of a bladed article. Both defendants are scheduled to appear at Guildford Crown Court on February 23 to face these serious allegations.
Family's Heartfelt Statement
In an emotional statement released through Surrey Police on Tuesday, the family expressed their profound gratitude to those who assisted their son. 'Thank you to the people who helped and comforted Luis in his final minutes, the paramedics who tried to save his life, and to All Hallows Catholic School and Churt Football Club, for their kind support and solidarity,' the statement read.
The family continued: 'To see the thoughts and memories in which Luis is held by all who knew him is an enormous comfort. He was loved by many. He was a happy son, kind young boy, caring friend and a talented footballer. A promise of life with a promising future.'
Remembering Luis
Describing their beloved son, the family added: 'He had a warm, welcoming smile and an athletic body full of strength and beauty. He was starting to become a young man, leaving the curious child behind. We regret that fatal day, but we praise and adore all the time we spent together. Luis will be forever remembered, never forgotten.'
Community Response and Investigation
Despite immediate medical attention from police, paramedics, and members of the public including staff from a nearby leisure centre, Luis was pronounced dead at the scene. The family extended their appreciation for the overwhelming community support received over the past fortnight.
'We would like to express our sincerest thank you for the amazing support we have received over the past 14 days,' they stated. 'Thank you to the immeasurable number of friends, parents, teachers, Luis's friends, football coaches and people from the community who have written messages, sent cards, flowers, paid tributes and even cooked for us. We will forever feel gratitude and love.'
The family also acknowledged Surrey Police for their sensitive and thorough handling of what they described as 'this horrendous tragedy.'
Background and Tributes
Luis, who was originally from Peru, attended All Hallows Catholic School in Farnham and played football for Churt Juniors FC under-16s. The football club released a statement expressing their deep sorrow: 'This shocking loss has deeply affected our whole club and Luis will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Luis's family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.'
The club added: 'We appreciate this is extremely upsetting news, particularly for his teammates. Throughout this week, the club has been working with relevant organisations to ensure appropriate support and care is available for players, parents and coaches.'
Coroner's Findings
HM Coroner's Court Surrey heard last month that the provisional medical cause of Luis's death was a stab wound to the back of his abdomen. Coroner's officer Fiona Brown confirmed that his death was recorded at 7.17pm, and that he had been formally identified by his mother, Silvia.
