In a devastating event that shook the Abbey Wood community, 16-year-old Kearne Solanke’s life was tragically cut short in an act of senseless violence on November 26, 2022. Kearne, who had his whole future ahead of him, was accidentally killed by one of his own friends during a violent altercation on Sewell Road that also claimed the life of Charlie Bartolo, another teenager.

The harrowing details of the incident were laid bare in court, where it was revealed that Kearne was part of a group that attacked 16-year-old Charlie Bartolo. In a fatal mistake described by Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones QC as a “moment of murderous stupidity,” Kearne was mistakenly stabbed by one of his own companions amid the chaos.

Following the attack, Kearne was left on the pavement of Titmuss Avenue in Thamesmead, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The profound impact of Kearne’s untimely death was felt deeply by his family, particularly his mother, who vividly recounted the heart-wrenching hours she spent beside her son as emergency services fought in vain to save his life.

During the sentencing of Hussain Bah and Alagie Jobe, both 19, along with two other teens responsible for the murders of Kearne and Charlie, victim impact statements were read, giving voice to the immense grief and loss endured by Kearne’s loved ones. Kearne’s mother expressed her inconsolable sorrow and the void left by her son’s absence, stating, “I don’t think I can ever truly accept that Kearne is gone.

Kearne was remembered as a young man with “big dreams and aspirations” by his mourning family. He had been pursuing an electrical installation course at college and harboured ambitions of starting a business with his cousin. His cousin reminisced about their close bond and the full life Kearne led, despite its tragic end, saying, “You were the only person I knew who truly loved life and lived life to the fullest.

The senseless violence that led to Kearne Solanke’s death has not only robbed a family of a beloved son and cousin but has also extinguished the bright future that lay before him. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the story of Kearne serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of gang violence and the preciousness of young lives lost too soon.