Bradley Lewis: Mourning father ‘overwhelmed’ by support following son’s tragic death

The father of a young man who died after an incident at his home in Kingswood has issued a short statement in response to the support his family have received since his son’s tragic death.

Bradley Lewis, aged 22, was pronounced dead in the early hours of last Saturday morning after he was taken to hospital with serious injuries from his home in Chipperfield Drive in Kingswood on the Friday evening.

His girlfriend Abigail White, 23, of the same address, has since been charged with his murder and is due to reappear at Bristol Crown Court later this month.

Since Mr Lewis’ death there has been an outpouring of support from the local and footballing community. Almost £7,000 has been raised through a Go Fund Me page for his funeral, while two football games in his memory have also been arranged.

Yesterday, it was reported that a football tournament to raise money for his four children will take place at Southey Playing Fields in Kingswood on July 16, when a plaque will also be unveiled in his memory.

Mr Lewis was a keen footballer who was part of the Bristol Rovers Supporters’ Junior Football Club until the age of 14 before playing for the likes of Hallen AFC and Hanham Athletic Football Club.

His death sent shockwaves through the football community. Hanham Athletic held a minute’s silence before their game last Saturday - hours after his death - and a game for the reserve team he was set to play in on Wednesday was postponed.

On social media, dozens of messages of tribute have been posted throughout last week.

The family of Mr Lewis initially put out a statement through Avon and Somerset Police on Monday which said: “Our wonderful much-loved son Bradley, taken from us too early.”

Today, through Bristol Rovers Supporers’ Junior Football Club, his father Steve, who was also involved in the club, put out another message thanking the community for its support during the incredibly difficult time for him and mother Rachel.

He said: “Rachel and I are overwhelmed with the volume of support that we have had - I also want to thank everybody for what they are doing. It is difficult for us to respond as we haven’t got everybody’s contact details, but a big thank you from us both.”

The statement came through the football club’s chairman Steve Camm, who described Mr Lewis as ‘one of the niciest kids you could ever meet’.

The case of Abigail White was heard at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, she is due to reappear for a plea and trial preperation hearing on April 25. She has been held in custody.