Elianne Andam: Thousands gather in vigil for ‘smart and charismatic’ teenager stabbed to death
Thousands of mourners gathered last night to remember 15-year-old Elianne Andam who was stabbed to death last week.
The vigil was held near the scene of her killing, outside the Whitgift shopping centre in Wellesley Street, Croydon.
Music artist Stormzy, who is from Croydon, was seen at the vigil with Elianne’s family.
Elianne’s mum, Dorcas Andam, spoke of her daughter being “smart and charismatic” while being a person who “loved living life to the fullest”.
She said: “She brought joy to so many, including her friendships. She was an amazing, beautiful, girl.
“I can’t believe we won’t be seeing her anymore. I can’t believe she won’t be there to complain about her teenage activities. We should be planning her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for.”
On Tuesday, week a 17-year-old boy appeared in court charged with the murder of Ms Andam and possession of a knife. He has been remanded in custody until a plea hearing in December.
A short statement from Elianne’s family was read at the vigil on their behalf by Rosemarie Mallett, the Bishop of Croydon.
She said: “We, as a family, are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken and we are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief.
“Our faith in the Lord is strengthening us. We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers. We kindly ask for your consideration to also respect our need for privacy as we attempt to come to grips with our deeply devastating loss.
“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out, who loved Jesus. She was intelligent and had a bright future ahead of her. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Pictured top: Dorca Andam, middle, next to a painting of her 15-year-old daughter Elianne’s Andam, stabbed to death last week (Picture: PA)