The father of 16-year-old Shayne Hambakachere has paid a heartfelt tribute following his son’s tragic death in Chippenham on Saturday, January 31. Shayne was found seriously injured and sadly passed away soon after.
Emmanuel Hambakachere described his son as someone who “lived loud and proud.” He said, “Shayne will be greatly missed. He had a brilliant sense of humour and a laugh that filled every room.”
Shayne was passionate about fitness and sport. “He loved the gym and was a star sprinter, often picked to compete for his school,” Emmanuel added. “Shayne was driven and ambitious. At times, he juggled two jobs just to buy what he wanted without asking family. He even ran a side hustle reselling clothes and accessories online. With his earnings, he bought himself a big TV and a Samsung S25 phone — always spending wisely, something we admired.”
At home, Shayne was responsible and dependable. Emmanuel said, “Shayne never missed a chore and was always punctual, sticking to curfew and keeping us updated when he left or came back. He was helpful, smart, and tidy—never leaving for school without making his bed.”
He was also known for his courage and strong values. “He never shied away from speaking his mind or standing up for what he believed in. Shayne was brave, bold, and full of life,” his father said.
Reflecting on happier times, Emmanuel shared, “We take comfort knowing Shayne had a wonderful Christmas on December 25, 2025. We had a buffet, played games all night, and Shayne won most of them. Those moments were precious, and we’re glad we shared them.”
The family expressed gratitude to the medical team who cared for Shayne. “We want to thank the doctors and staff at Southmead Hospital in Bristol for their incredible care. One doctor even drove from Bristol to Chippenham at 1am so Shayne’s sister could say goodbye. We were deeply touched by such kindness and will be forever grateful,” Emmanuel said.
Friends and community members wishing to pay tribute to Shayne can leave flowers or messages by the front gate of Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, where Shayne studied. Tributes will be placed on a memorial tree inside the school grounds. The family kindly requests that tributes be left at this designated spot and not on nearby London Road.
Originally published by UKNIP.
