Gosport Mourns the Loss of Levi Kent: A Beloved Community Member Remembered
Today, the community of Gosport came together in an emotional farewell to Levi Kent, a 22-year-old local resident whose life was tragically cut short. The funeral service for Levi was held at St. John’s Church in Forton at 11 am, lasting for 45 minutes, and was attended by family, friends, and members of the local community.
The service was a poignant tribute to Levi, whose coffin was carried by his close friends, followed by his mother, Tammy Kent, holding a floral tribute spelling out “SON”. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as a procession of up to a hundred bikers gathered outside the church to escort Levi to the Porchester Crematorium.
As the procession moved through Gosport, the streets were brought to a standstill. Red and black balloons and banners bearing Levi’s name lined the roads, a testament to the impact he had on his community.
Levi was well-known and dearly loved in Gosport. His untimely death left friends and family devastated. He was found seriously injured on Keyes Road in the early hours of 24 November and, despite the efforts of ambulance crews, Levi succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of this tragedy, Hampshire Police launched a complex murder investigation, Operation Talus, which has led to the arrest of 13 individuals, including various members and associates of the West family. Seven of these individuals have been charged in connection with Levi’s death.
Tammy Kent, remembering her son, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and love from the community. She remembered Levi as a precious, loving, and sometimes challenging son who had a heart larger than life. “His kind heart outweighed his naughty heart,” she said, reflecting on Levi’s loving nature and the immense love she had for him.
Levi’s journey through life was marked by both struggles and triumphs. Known as the ‘Gentle Ginger Giant’ in Gosport, he attended various schools, often finding a compassionate teacher to guide him. Despite facing challenges in his education and self-esteem, Levi found his path, completing a building course at CETC, obtaining his CSCS card, and making many new friends.
Levi’s life was on an upward trajectory, balancing hard work with enjoying life to the fullest. He was known for his willingness to talk to anyone, making friends easily and offering support wherever he could.
His family, left heartbroken by his loss, remembers Levi for his wit, cheeky comebacks, and his unique personality that brought joy to those around him. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew him.
As the community mourns, Levi Kent’s memory remains a symbol of a life lived with kindness, humour, and a deep connection to those he loved. His legacy continues in the hearts of his family, friends, and the Gosport community.
