A young boy who dreamed of being a footballer and loved Manchester United was tragically found dead alongside his brother and their mum at home in East London.
Their heartbroken dad of the two boys, who were found dead on March 9 has now paid an emotional tribute to his 'amazing' sons who he says were 'full of joy, happiness, and life'.
Alexander and Maximus De Jager, aged nine and 7, were found by police at their home in Belvedere along with the body of their mother Nadja De Jager, 47. Police are not searching for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
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The youngest brother, Max, had dreams of becoming a footballer and was a huge fan of Manchester United. Alex was destined to become an engineer and had a keen interest in cars.
Speaking to MyLondon, dad Herman De Jager, 36, said: "They were always playing together and getting everyone involved in fun. They were just amazing kids. They were just the most amazing boys ever, they were model pupils, and so lovely and caring. It was such a privilege to have them."
Remembering eldest son Alex, Herman said: "He had a really good sense of humour and he was always making jokes and getting everyone laughing, there was never a dull moment.
"He also loved Legos and was obsessed with cars. From a young age he was already determined he wanted to be an engineer and was going to build and design cars, so he found his calling in life really, really young.
"I started buying him Lego cars and even at seven and eight he was building adult size sets without any help, he was always very meticulous and took his time, such an intelligent boy."
While younger brother Max had different interests to Alex, Herman said he had a huge heart: "Max was very caring and loving, he always wanted to give everyone hugs and would tell me every single day how much he loved me.
"He was also very brave and very protective of Alex even though he was the younger brother. There were a couple of older boys one day that were picking on Alex and Max walked right between them and told them ‘you two leave my brother alone or I’m gonna tell my father’, at the time I think he was only six.
"He dreamed of being a football player, his favourite team was Manchester United and he’d joined the local club. He was starting to play really well too. Alex didn’t like sport but Max was really into it so he’d always watch it on telly with me."
Since their deaths, the boys' school Belvedere Infant and Junior School has committed to a tribute featuring two boulders bearing their names as well as a pair of memorial trees.
Herman is now hoping to create a memorial of his own.
He continued: "I would really love to do something in their name so they aren’t forgotten. It’s my long term ambition to set up a mental health foundation or a charity in their name."
He's also set up a fundraiser to pay for the boys' funeral costs and a memorial, as well as to support the family going forwards, which you can donate to here.
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