17-Year-Old Laid To Rest In Adidas Shoebox Styled Coffin

The funeral of teenager Jack Gudge, who was killed after getting in a fight outside a Tesco Express and buried in an Adidas shoebox-style coffin, was attended by hundreds of mourners.

A flower arrangement that spelled out 'chav' - which was one of his favourite phrases - appeared around the coffin.

Gudge, who was aged just 17, died from serious head injuries following a fight with a group of youths outside a store in Bournemouth, Dorset.

The funeral. Credit: BNPS

The words 'grandson', 'brother', 'Jack' and 'cousin' were also spelled out in flowers and placed around the casket.

Following the funeral service his coffin was carried from the church to the hearse as OMI song 'Cheerleader' was played.

Jack's father Chris Gudge told the Sun: "We just want to say a huge thank you to all those people who have rallied round to help and support us through this time.

"The amount of people who have organised events in his memory, sent us flowers and cards, or just come to check on us at home has been completely overwhelming."

Gudge loved his Adidas. Credit: BNPS

Four suspects were arrested shortly after the death on July 16. However, police have said that no one will be prosecuted for the incident.

A family statement said: "Jack was a much loved, admired and respected young man who had his whole life ahead of him.

"As a family our world stopped but over this past three months we have placed our faith in the justice system, allowing them the time to investigate these matters.

"Our world was shattered again when we were informed that no charges would be brought.

The scene of the incident. Credit: BNPS

"An inquest is due to be held soon and we hope that during the process we will learn as much as we can about our son's final moments and the reasons why the CPS reached their decision.

"We cannot express our distress, disappointment or the feelings of absolute rawness that surrounds us. Our boy can never come back."

His friends used the hashtag #ripgudge to pay tribute to the teenager through social media.

Main image credit: BNPS

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Topics: Adidas

James Dawson

James Dawson is a Journalist at LADbible. He has contributed articles to LADbible’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing EU’ series on the EU referendum, the 'Electoral Dysfunction' series on the 2017 general election, the ‘U OK M8?’ series tackling mental health amongst young men, and for its ‘Climate Change’ initiative in partnership with National Geographic.

@thejaytoday