Emotional tributes have been paid to schoolboy Leo Ross, described as 'forever 12', on the first anniversary of his tragic death in Birmingham. The 12-year-old suffered a fatal stab wound while walking home from school and passed away at Birmingham Children's Hospital on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
A Community United in Grief and Remembrance
Exactly one year after the devastating incident, Leo's school community and local residents gathered to honour his memory. The young boy had been walking home through The Shire Country Park in Hall Green when he sustained a serious stab injury to his stomach. Despite being rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospital, he tragically died several hours later.
School Memorial and Community Vigil
Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy in Yardley, where Leo was a pupil, held a private memorial service to allow students and staff to reflect together. Headteacher Samirah Roberts told BirminghamLive: "The anniversary of Leo Ross' tragic death is an important milestone for our school community. Our thoughts continue to be with Leo's family, friends and teachers, and today's private memorial service is an opportunity to reflect and remember Leo together."
A candlelight vigil was also organised at Christ Church in Yardley Wood, beginning at 4pm on Wednesday, January 21. Amz Weston, posting on Facebook about the event, explained: "It will be open for anyone who wishes to come along, light a candle, say a prayer, or simply spend a quiet moment in his memory. There is no set service - just a space to reflect, remember, and share love together as a community."
Political Response and Lasting Legacy
Hall Green councillor Tim Huxtable reflected on the impact of Leo's death, stating: "A year ago, the senseless killing of Leo Ross shocked our Communities of Hall Green and Yardley Wood to the core but its aftermath also brought people together in trying to make sure a tragedy like this never happened again."
In response to the tragedy, Leo's Legacy Foundation was established to raise awareness about knife crime, deliver vital bleed control training, and install life-saving bleed cabinets and kits within communities. The foundation shared a heartbreaking message on social media, recalling: "...this time last year was a normal school day. It would be the very last time Leo would come home. The last time we can say, 'this time last year he was alive and everything was fine #forever12 #leoslegacy.'"
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with Leo's murder. The case is proceeding through the justice system, with a trial scheduled to begin at Birmingham Crown Court in February. The community continues to seek justice while supporting Leo's family through their unimaginable loss.
A Family's Enduring Pain
The foundation also shared poignant reflections on New Year's Eve, stating: "This was our first Christmas without Leo, and now the beginning of a new year without him. Last year, we celebrated together, watching him open his presents, his joy filling the room and his smile lighting up our hearts. That light is deeply missed, and his absence is felt more than ever."
They added a powerful message to the community: "Leo has taught us all a painful but powerful truth: life is fragile, and loss can come without warning. So, please hold your loved ones close." The tragedy has left an indelible mark on Birmingham, with floral tributes and candles continuing to appear at the scene where Leo's young life was tragically cut short.
