Memorial service held for slain Jayden-Lee
Fleurhof community members pay their last respects at 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek's memorial service.
Bereaved friends, classmates, teachers, and family members of Jayden-Lee Meek (11), who was found dead in front of his mother’s unit after he was reported missing the previous day, gathered at Royal College on Wednesday, May 21, to pay their last respects.
United by grief, mourners braved downpours to gather at the school to pay their respects to Meek, who was well-known for being friendly and an academic star.
Also read: Body of missing 11-year-old Fleurhof boy found
According to his class teacher, Mam Rethabile, Meek was a multifaceted individual who initially presented himself as an introverted and reserved learner. However, as time passed, he gradually opened up to those around him, revealing a more confident and engaged personality.
“Jayden joined Royal College in the first term of this year during exam week, and his first exam was Afrikaans. Initially, I had concerns about his progress, but little did we know we had a budding academic star in our class,” she said.
“He amazed us with his brilliant results and made sure to keep that standard high during the term.”
Also read: WATCH: Community holds candlelight vigil for slain Jayden-Lee
Reciting poems and speeches, his school friends described him as a supportive and encouraging person in their lives. They mentioned that he consistently motivated them to complete their homework and revealed that he loved playing soccer.
Katlego Molokwane, the head of the department of the intermediate phase at the school, stated that Meek wasn’t troublesome and was socially loved by everyone.
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“On behalf of the school, we’ve suffered a great loss. He was a bright child and was one of the top three learners in the intermediate phase. Our deepest condolences to his family; we are with them during this difficult time,” she said.
Pastor Anvil Alexander also shared a prayer and words of encouragement to those close to him.
Also read: Community marches to Florida Police Station demanding justice for Jayden-Lee
No arrests have been made, however, an inquest has been opened to investigate his disappearance and death.
Meek was laid to rest on Saturday, May 24 in the Westpark Cemetery.
