A teenager has been buried in an Adidas shoebox-style coffin with flowers spelling out the word ‘chav’.
Jack Gudge, 17, died from head injuries he suffered during an altercation with a group of people in Bournemouth in July.
Two weeks ago Dorset police announced that nobody will face criminal charges in relation to Jack’s death, despite three men and a 15-year-old being arrested at the time.
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Yesterday his funeral took place with his bright blue coffin being carried by eight of his friends.
Jack’s father Chris Gudge said: ‘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.’
A flower arrangement that spelled out ‘chav’, which was one of Jack’s favourite terms, appeared in black, white and yellow around the coffin.
Streams of tearful well-wishers, many of them teenagers, hugged and consoled one another as they queued up to enter St Mark’s Church, Bournemouth.
Dozens of people had to stand at the back of the church because it was so full.
The words ‘grandson’, ‘brother’, ‘Jack, ‘cousin’ spelled out in flowers were placed around the casket and versions of Olaf the snowman from Disney film Frozen and a red and white football could also be seen.
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After the service Jack’s coffin was carried from the church to the hearse as OMI song ‘Cheerleader’ played out.Following a private burial family and friends gathered at a local social club for the wake.
Four suspects were arrested shortly after the tragic incident occurred but police recently revealed no one will be prosecuted.
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.
‘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.’
Liverpool FC fanatic Jack leaves behind younger brothers George, 16, Tommy, 13, and little sister Lily, eight.
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