“She was such a soft, beautiful soul”
16:33, 10 Apr 2026Updated 17:29, 10 Apr 2026
Flowers left at the spot that Charlene Williams (inset) collapsed on Friday, April 3, in Speedwell. She died in hospital on Tuesday, April 7.(Image: Williams Family/Bristol Post)
The community in Bristol has been left shocked and saddened by the death of Charlene Williams, whose son Darrian was murdered two years ago, after she was found collapsed in East Bristol last week.
A week on after she was found last Friday, in the car park of the Co-op in Speedwell, family and friends of Charlene gathered at the spot to light candles and leave flowers.
Police officers who had come to her aid last Friday afternoon also attended to pay their respects.
Charlene was rushed to hospital, but died on Tuesday this week (April 7), surrounded by her family.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “Officers attended to support the ambulance service at the scene of a suspected medical episode in Ingleside Road, Bristol, on the evening of Good Friday, 3 April. Sadly, we’re aware that the patient has since died in hospital. Officers are in contact with the Coroner’s Office and will make any necessary enquiries.”
Charlene, who was born and raised in Bristol, was a well-known and popular member of the community in Easton, Eastville and St Pauls, and friends and family have been paying tribute to her on social media.
In a post on Facebook, music producer and artist Ace Brown said he had ‘so many memories with Char’. “She was such a soft, beautiful soul from when we were kids, and she’s always shown me the maddest support,” he wrote, adding that he wanted ‘the world to see her beautiful smile’.
Charlene Williams(Image: Williams Family)
Charlene’s son Darrian was murdered on Valentine’s Day in 2024 – stabbed in a park in St Jude’s by two teenage killers, who were later jailed for life.
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Charlene became a huge and active supporter of campaigns like Bin The Blade, and the efforts of Darrian’s sister Shanine Wright, to campaign against knife crime.
Family and friends lay flowers at the Co-op car park in Speedwell on Friday April 10, 2026, a week after Charlene Williams was found there collapsed. Charlene, the mother of murdered teenager Darrian Williams, sadly passed away on Tuesday, April 7(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
A spokesperson for Bin The Blade said: “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Charlene Williams, who was supported, and we acted as an advocate for her, since the death of her son Darrian.
Darrian Williams(Image: PA Media)
“We learnt together along the way. It was a great privilege to have known you. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends. Rest in peace Charlene you were loved and will be missed,” she added.
Police officers who were the first to attend to Charlene Williams, after she was found collapsed in a car park in Speedwell last Friday, April 3, attended a vigil held for her following her death on Tuesday, April 7. (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
Knife crime and bleed kit campaigner Leanne Reynolds worked closely with Charlene following the death of her son Darrian.
“I have realised how life can be cruel,” she said. “You were strong and fought on. I don’t have words, I don’t want to believe it. One thing I hope is you are at peace and with Darrian,” she said.