Thousands of mourners gathered today for the funeral of two teenagers whose tragic deaths sparked a riot in Cardiff. Best friends Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were laid to rest in a joint service at the Church of the Resurrection on Grand Avenue in Ely. The emotional ceremony began just after 1pm on Thursday.
The funeral procession saw two limousines, four hearses, and eight white Rolls-Royce cars leading the way. A group of motorbikes arranged by the boys' friends also joined the procession. Kyrees and Harvey lost their lives on the evening of Monday, May 22, when they crashed on a Sur-Ron bike. CCTV footage captured them being followed by a police van shortly before the accident.
The tragic incident triggered hours of disorder in the city suburb, including violent clashes with the police and property damage. As the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) investigates the actions of South Wales Police, Cardiff Council took charge of managing the funeral. Around 1,200 people were allowed inside the church, while over 1,000 stood outside in the churchyard and street. The service was broadcast to the crowds through a large screen and sound system.
In accordance with the family's wishes, many attendees wore blue clothing, and a blue carpet lined the path from the road to the church entrance. To accommodate the expected large turnout, Cardiff Council implemented road closures in the area from 12-2pm, and many local schools closed for the day.
Shortly before the service, a light aircraft circled the sky, towing a sign that read "RIP Kyrees And Harvey Young Kings." The four hearses carried individual floral tributes with the words "Harvey, Kyrees, Best Friends" and those gathered outside clapped as the cars carrying close family members passed by.
Emotions ran high as the two coffins were carried into the church by grieving family members. The congregation listened to the song All My Life by American rappers Lil Durk ft. J. Cole. They also sang the hymn All Things Bright And Beautiful and heard readings and shared memories of the boys from members of both families.
Reverend Canon Jan Gould, who led the service, delivered a sermon on Jesus stilling the storm. Prior to the funeral she said: “I’m going to be talking about how grief can sometimes feel like a storm that’s overwhelming and we don’t know how to feel.
“We can have all kinds of feelings that we can’t manage and I’m going to be encouraging them to reach out for that peace that Jesus brought when he stilled the storm and that he longs to still the storms of our lives.”
Following prayers, the service concluded with the song "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans ft. 112. Kyrees and Harvey will be laid to rest in Western Cemetery at 2.30pm. In a poignant and unusual decision, the inseparable friends, who had known each other since nursery school, will be interred in the same grave. A wake will be held at Cardiff City Stadium after the burial.
Canon Gould, from the Llandaff Diocese, emphasized the importance of closure for the family and the wider community. She expressed her hope that, in the aftermath of this tragedy, the community can begin to rebuild and find peace. The church has remained open all day since the deaths and the riot, allowing people to come and light candles and share their memories of Kyrees and Harvey.
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