First picture of man stabbed to death in Walsall nightclub as heartbroken family pay tribute to ‘greatest of men’
POLICE have released a photo of the 29-year-old stabbed to death in a nightclub as his heartbroken family pays tribute to the “greatest of men”.
Akeem Francis-Kerr was fatally attacked at Valesha’s nightclub in Walsall just after 5am yesterday.
Paramedics raced to the scene but the 29-year-old, who is known as Keemz to loved ones, died on the way to hospital.
Police quickly launched a murder probe, but are yet to make any arrests.
Cops have said they believe there had been a fight break out before the attack.
According to a witness an argument between at least two revellers descended into violence inside the club and chaos erupted as people scrambled to get out.
The cops have today released a photo of Akeem, along with a tribute from his heartbroken family.
The family’s tribute read: “The universe has lost one of the greatest of men and his unmatched energy, mindset and love will forever live on.”
The cops are now urging anymore who was at the nightclub, which is known locally as Colliseum, in the early hours of Saturday morning to come forward.
Meanwhile, tributes have been flowing online for Akeem.
One said: “That infectious smile gone forever, always so polite and humble and respectful towards me.”
While another said: “It’s broken me to hear what’s happened to Keemz. Rest in Paradise young king. Sending love and strength to his family & friends.
“Today is a sad day!! He’s known by many and loved by all.”
A third added: “This one here broke my heart rip Keemz, my little Wolverhampton sweetheart.
“I honestly can’t believe it I don’t understand we literally was out together a few months ago.
“May you rest in paradise hunny.”
One more added: “Rest easy Keemz can’t believe it just last week I saw you king.
“Thoughts are with your famo king.”
The universe has lost one of the greatest of men.
Akeem's heartbroken family
Witnesses have described the horror moment Akeem was stabbed.
A man, who did not want to be named, told Birmingham Live: “There was a scuffle or fight in the club.
“I’ve gone out the front and the guy has got blood on his face. The guy was lying in the doorway.
“An argument started between a couple of people. The next minute there was a bit of a scuffle. The bouncers were on it. It looked like they were fighting.
“Lots of people were everywhere, near the cloakroom where the guy was lying on the floor. There was shouting, screaming, crying. I saw blood. Then the paramedics arrived.”
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Ade George, leading the investigation, today said: “Our thoughts are with Akeem’s family and friends as they come to terms with this terrible loss.
“We continue to urge people to come forward with information, a man has died and his family have the right to know what happened to him.”
The incident comes just over a month after Bailey Atkinson was killed by an armed gang in Walsall town centre.
A police spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns around recent knife crime in Walsall town centre, and neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to offer reassurance”.