Ride-out tribute for boy killed in hit-and-run
BBCHundreds of bikers have taken part in a ride-out in tribute to a 12-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run.
Keaton Slater died after he was struck by a black BMW on Radford Road, Coventry, while he was on his way home from school at about 16:30 BST on 14 June.
Described by his family as a beautiful and fun-loving boy, the young Coventry City fan's death led to an outpouring of grief from the community.
On Sunday afternoon, more than 200 bikers drove through the area to raise money and display their support for his loved ones.
Speaking to BBC Radio CWR, Gemma Sawbridge, who helped to organise the event, said she knew the family through her job working at Aldi on Radford Road.
“It breaks my heart,” she said of Keaton’s death.
Each rider paid £5 towards a fund for the youngster’s family before taking part in the event, which started at about 16:30 BST.
It began at Aldi on Radford Road before looping around the ring road, Holyhead Road, Coundon Wedge Drive and Tamworth Road before finishing at the Old Shepherd Pub.
Trevor Fox, who helped to set up the route the contingent would take, described Keaton’s family as phenomenal.
Family“How they’re doing what they’re doing, I can’t understand it. I can’t comprehend how well they’re coping,” he said.
“They’re here and we’re going to support them as much as we can.”
The Just Giving fundraiser for Keaton's family has raised almost £60,000 since it was launched.
A reward of up to £10,000 has been offered by a charity for information on a man being hunted over the crash.
Dolars Aleksanders, 21, remains the prime suspect in the investigation and is wanted on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, West Midlands Police said.
The force said it had arrested and spoken with a number of people as part of the inquiry.
A 56-year-old man was previously detained on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Both were bailed pending further inquiries and a third man, who was voluntarily interviewed, has been released under investigation.
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