Friend of tragic Declan pays tribute to ‘top lad’

Steven Trickett (16) said the whole school was still in a state of shock following news of Declan’s death.

A special assembly, attended by Declan’s parents Christopher and Mandy, was held for Year 11 on Friday morning as pupils wore something black in memory of Declan.

“I’ve known Declan since we were in Year 2 at Brunshaw Primary School together,” said Steven. “We’ve been friends since then. He was just a top lad. He was one of the most popular lads in school. In fact he probably was the most popular lad in school.

“Words can’t describe just how sad that assembly was. Everybody was just in complete shock. The teachers said we could go home at lunchtime if we wanted to. Most of the pupils there still can’t believe it, they can’t believe what has happened.”

Declan, who would have been starting his GCSEs this week, had been due to attend Futsal trials at Burnley Football Club on the Thursday his body was found.

Steven said he was somebody who loved playing football, who was also a big fan of Burnley Football Club. He had even managed to make it onto the Turf Moor pitch to celebrate the club’s promotion to the Premier League following the Wigan game two weeks ago.

“He definitely enjoyed going to school. He probably loved PE the most. He loved playing football. Out of the group he was probably the funniest. He was always up for a good laugh. He would have your back no matter what though. If there was ever any trouble going on he would be there for you straight away.”