Luke O’Connor: family pays tribute to ‘bubbly, lively, beautiful boy’ who was fatally stabbed in Fallowfield

The family of a university student who died at the age of just 19 after being stabbed in Manchester have paid tribute to him.

In a statement the heartbroken relatives of Luke O’Connor, a second-year business management student, described him as a “bubbly, lively, beautiful boy” whose death has left his family “with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled”.

Luke was fatally stabbed on Wilmslow Road in the Fallowfield area of the city at around 2am on Wednesday 26 October. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries a short time later.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has opened a murder investigation into Luke’s death and has already appealed for anyone who can help bring those responsible to justice to come forward.

What did Luke’s family say?

In a tribute released by GMP on Thursday afternoon (27 October) Luke’s family said: ”Our hearts yearn for the loss of Luke; we are truly devastated by this tragedy. Luke was loved by so many people, and he knew how much he was loved in return.

“He was a second year Business Management student at university. He loved the freedom of student living and studying and was loving life in Manchester.

“Luke was the youngest of three boys in our family and was a gentle giant with big hopes and dreams for the future. His biggest dream was to travel the world, but now Luke will never be able to fulfil that dream.

“Luke loved music, football and was a big supporter of Liverpool Football Club, who he followed religiously from a young age. He had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life. He was truly one of a kind, who’s presence would light up any room.

“Luke’s friends also adored him, as he adored them. They often called Luke a ‘legend’ and ‘the life and soul’ of everything he did. Everyone who met him, truly loved him. Our lively, bubbly, beautiful boy has been taken from us and our family are now left with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

“Justice needs to be served as we have lost our beautiful young Luke, who was robbed of life. We will continue to honour his name for as long as we are all here, and his legacy with go on forever.”

Luke’s family also asked for privacy as they grieve and try to come to terms with their loss.

What have the authorities said?

Announcing on Wednesday (26 October) that a murder investigation into Luke’s death was under way, GMP detective superintendent Neil Jones called the stabbing “a terrible crime which has robbed a young man of his life”. He said round-the-clock enquiries were being carried out to find out who stabbed Luke and bring them to justice.

Police say extra patrols have been out and about to try to provide reassurance in the Fallowfield area of the city. They said it was inevitable that Luke’s death would cause shock and concern among the community, especially the large student population in Manchester.

Manchester City Council has also released a statement saying the town hall is supporting the police’s efforts and hoping the police treating this as an isolated incident would help to lessen residents’ concerns.

Anyone with any information about this fatal stabbing should contact GMP by calling 101, quoting log number 240 of the date 26/10/22. Information including photos, videos and CCTV footage can also be uploaded to the Major Incident Public Portal or shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.