They released balloons as a mark of respect
People came together on the river path to remember Paul Pike(Image: Submitted)
Volunteers who helped to search for missing football fan Paul Pike, who was found dead last Sunday in the River Derwent, have gathered at the spot close to where he was found.
He had travelled from Birmingham to watch the Blues play against Derby County at Pride Park. Mr Pike, 18, was last seen leaving the stadium just minutes after the 12.30pm kick-off on March 21.
Police had appealed for businesses to come forward with CCTV and fans of both clubs came together for searches around the ground.
However, police confirmed they’d found a body in the river in the search for Mr Pike on Sunday (March 29).
Since then, a number of floral tributes have been laid at the riverside path near the Travelodge hotel, where he is said to have been found.
Fellows fans outside Pride Park stadium on the day of the memorial(Image: Submitted)
The short memorial gathering was held at the same spot and volunteers released self-evaporating balloons, many of them Derby County fans.
Joanne Wallis, who had coordinated the searches involving about 50 volunteers over the last week, arranged the gathering at the riverbank to commemorate Mr Pike.
“After five days of searching, hoping and praying for a miracle, our worst fears were confirmed when Paul was found in the river,” she said.
“Please continue to keep Paul’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy as they face the most heart-breaking time of their lives. “Rest peacefully, Paul. You were cared about by so many.”
People also took to social media to pay tribute. One person said: “A lovely gesture. So very sad, sending sincere condolences to Paul’s family, friends & his fellow Blues fans.”
While another person wrote: “So tragic! Thinking of everyone who knew him friends, family & fans alike.”
And another comment summed up the event, which read: “It’s great too see two football team supporters coming together and showing this young man respect. It proves in a world of hate there is still respect. Well done to you all.”
Rams supporters’ group Popside Fanatics have announced they plan to pay their respects to Mr Pike during the 18th minute of Derby’s clash with Stoke City at Pride Park on Monday, April 6.