DARLINGTON’S close-knit community came together today (Thursday, April 23) to pay tribute to a teenager with a heart of gold and a smile that touched everyone he met.

Clutching rainbow roses and wearing t-shirts bearing the face of their lost friend, hundreds of people packed St Cuthbert’s Church for the funeral of 15-year-old Kyle Hull.

Colourful bunting adorned with poignant tributes fluttered in the breeze as mourners gathered in the spring sunshine to say goodbye to the popular teen who lived life to the full.

There was standing room only as young Kyle’s coffin was carried into the church to the sound of Sam Smith’s poignant Lay Me Down.

Attended by Kyle’s broken-hearted family and scores of friends and well-wishers, the moving service heard how the scooter-mad teen had touched the hearts of everyone he’d known.

The congregation heard a Bible reading from the book of John before anecdotes and memories from Kyle’s tragically short life were shared.

His love of scooters, animals and his devotion to his friends and family were remembered in a touching tribute from Reader Sue Bell, a friend of the family.

She told the gathered crowds that Kyle had a gentle, happy nature and liked to help out wherever he could.

Urging his loved ones to treasure their memories, she said: “Kyle would not want you to be sad, he was a larger than life character with a charismatic nature and a lust for life.

“He gave one hundred per cent to everything and wanted to do the best in every situation.”

She added: “He was a bit of a lovable rogue, rough around the edges but with a heart of gold.

“Kyle put a smile on the face of so many people – his life was tragically cut short but he lived it to the full.”

Outside, passers-by with bowed heads paid tribute at the church gates while floral tributes adorned the back of a pick-up truck, one in the shape of a scooter.

Kyle was a pupil at the Stephenson Centre, part of the Education Village in Darlington.

He died on Sunday, April 12 following a fall from the roof of Darlington Auction Mart.

He leaves behind a devasted family including mother Michele and siblings Mitchel and Angel.

Today’s service was attended by The Northern Echo with permission of the family and was followed by a private interment at Darlington’s East Cemetery.

Kyle Hull died after falling through the roof of Darlington Auction Mart, in Clifton Road.

The 15-year-old's death was followed three days later by the death of family friend Tyrone Singh, in a car crash on the A66.

 

 

The Northern Echo:
FRIENDS: Kyle Hull and Tyrone Singh

A statement released following Kyle's death on behalf of his family, including his mother Michele said: "We’re all obviously deeply upset by what’s happened and of course we’ll miss Kyle so very much, but we just hope that from our family’s tragedy that some good can come from it.

"We don’t want people to have to go through what we are at the moment and we also don’t want people to be sad when they think about Kyle.

"We have so many happy memories of Kyle and would also like people to take a message away from all this, which is that while we can’t predict the future, have fun, be safe and if you love someone, tell them.

"We have had to make some awful decisions over the last few days, make sure your future decisions are the right ones.

"Michele would like to thank everyone for the kindness and support she’s been given from everyone, both who knew Kyle and also those that didn’t.

"The family would also like to say what such a good son Kyle was to Michele, as well as a loving brother, grandson, nephew and cousin."