Loving friends and family of Dylan Keelan have paid a touching tribute to the 20-year-old who was fatally stabbed earlier this year.

In October 18-year-old Klayton Skelly was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 17 years, after pleading guilty to Dylan’s murder.

The prosecution told the court that the teenager fatally stabbed Dylan on Cheetham Hill Road on Friday 4 February, at around 9.30pm.

This news brought a fraction of relief to Dylan’s family, who have bravely campaigned to reduce knife crime since the devastating ordeal.

With Dylan finally in peace, his loved ones staged a balloon release at King George Playing Fields in Ashton, a symbol of love and hope.

It was a fantastic turn out, with so many gathering to pay their respects. Beautiful balloons spelt out Dylan’s name and were released to commemorate the loving person that he was.

His family said the ceremony was a ‘beautiful outcome’.

“Dylan is now finally at rest and his killer is locked up. All his close friends and family came, and it was a fantastic turnout,” they said.

Dylan’s tragic death has highlighted a prominent issue of knife crime within Greater Manchester. His mum, Nicola, has worked diligently over the course of 2022 to ensure her son’s death is not in vain, supporting the fight against knife crime.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick spoke about the rise of knife crime on the day of Klayton Skelly’s sentencing.

“There are too many people in Greater Manchester carrying knives, they are generally young men. I have no doubt that in their heads when they go out, they often think it’s just for show and they won’t use it.

“As in Dylan’s case it’s often about a split second, we seldom see premeditated murders, but this is how it happens. It’s over very small reasons, but the consequences are forever,” he said.

Dylan’s case is a truly tragic story, and one that will leave a lasting effect on the many people that loved him dearly.

It’s clear to see that Dylan was surrounded by so many caring people, who will continue to share his story.

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