The mother of a student who was fatally stabbed at Primrose Hill fondly remembered her son as her “prince of light” and expressed her desire for his death not to incite hatred.
Finbar Sullivan, a 21-year-old film student, lost his life after being stabbed during a confrontation at the London beauty spot on April 7. A touching vigil in memory of Finbar was attended by over 1,000 individuals at Primrose Hill, where Madness frontman Graham “Suggs” McPherson performed ‘It Must Be Love’ while balloons were released in honor of the young man.
Leah Seresin, Finbar’s mother, shared an emotional tribute, stating that everyone who crossed paths with her son instantly adored him. Chris Sullivan, the student’s father, mentioned that Finbar had gone to Primrose Hill to try out a new camera he had received for his birthday, and despite efforts by paramedics, he tragically passed away at the scene.
Speaking to the BBC, Seresin further praised her son, describing him as kind, intelligent, and inquisitive, with a diverse circle of friends who all cherished him deeply. She expressed the immense pain she feels every morning when the reality of her son’s absence sinks in.
The vigil held at the location of Finbar’s untimely death drew a large crowd, including notable figures like Paul Weller, Kevin Rowland, Bobby Gillespie, and Glen Matlock. Attendees lit candles, laid flowers, sang his favorite songs, and observed a minute of silence in his memory.
Mr. Sullivan emphasized that the vigil was a poignant demonstration of the love Finbar had garnered, highlighting it as a stand against hate and knife-related violence. He revealed his son’s aspirations to follow the career path of his grandfather, acclaimed cameraman Michael Seresin, known for his work on films like Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban and Rambo III.
In connection with the incident, three individuals, Ernest Boateng, Alexis Bidace, and Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, have been charged with Finbar’s murder, while Khalid Abdulqadir faces charges related to causing grievous bodily harm, violent disorder, and possession of a knife in connection to another victim.