Sister says Waterford e-scooter crash teen ‘could not go a day without cracking a smile’ as family prepares for funeral
THE heartbroken sister of a 17-year-old who died when the e-scooter he was travelling on with his friend collided with a bus last week wept as she told mourners tonight of how they “could not go a day without cracking a smile”.
Teenager Avuzwa Idris, of Crystal Mews on the Cork Road in Waterford, died after the incident which happened in the early hours of last Thursday morning in Waterford city.
He was taken initially to University Hospital Waterford following the horrific accident and later taken to Cork University Hospital, where he died from severe head injuries.
His 15-year-old friend Gilbert Collins, who was also on the e-scooter, died at the scene of the collision on the R680 Cork Road near the South East Technological University shortly after 1am. Gilbert's funeral service took place on Tuesday.
The boys, both of whom were talented soccer players, were returning home after a session in a 24 hour fitness gym.
Avuzwa’s sister Aminah wept as she told mourners tonight: “One thing about me and Avu is that we could not go a day without cracking a smile.”
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“We had gatherings in the kitchen, debating on what to eat and what girl he’s texting next.
“I’ll never forget his handshakes, his presence, his love and his time spent playing FIFA.
“He was definitely the best big brother.
“I’m very blessed to have had interaction with him and I have no regrets.”
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'Everyone is going to miss you'
Nur, his brother at the memorial service at the Maranatha Christian Community Church in Manor, Waterford said: “I wish I had spent more time with you this year, if I had known you were going and although it’s too late to say it, you owe me a rematch in FIFA.
“I wish he was alive to carry on his football career. I wish he made it further.
“Just know that I really love you. Everyone loves you and everyone is going to miss you.”
Villa FC coach Johnny McEvoy - who was one of the coaches who coached Avu since he joined the club as an U12 player and was a member of the U-17 team - also paid tribute to him.
'Brightest of blessings'
He said that while he enjoyed watching players develop, “every once in a while you get a couple of individuals that really shine”.
“Within that cohort, you get some who shine so bright that it is such a simple pleasure and a blessing to have got to know them.
“In the years I have been coaching, Avu was the brightest of those blessings.
“To say he made our job easy was an understatement. He was a strong leader amongst all the lads.
'Amazing person'
“He gave everything at all times, and he did all of this while wearing that Avu smile.
“He was an amazing person on and off the pitch, a true leader in every sense of the word, and someone who raised everyone up around him.”
One of the teen's best friends broke down as he told mourners how Avu called him on the night he died and promised to play online games with him later.
He said “The last words I had, he told me that when he comes home from the gym, he was going to get in a game with me at 2am. But I didn’t hear from him again.”
'You could always make people smile'
Tommy Kennedy, a close friend, said "he was a wonderful friend, an incredible team mate, and an overall amazing person".
He added: "Your personality was always shining with a bright smile that showed your joy and happiness. No matter what the situation, you could always make people smile.
“I’m so grateful for the friendship we shared and the many memories we made together.”
Music for the service was provided by the Maranatha Christian Community Church Youth Workshop Group who started with Jealous of the Angels.
Avu is survived by his father Fatah, mother Priscilla, brothers Nur, Mury and Adam, sisters Aminah and Noora, as well as his uncles Kasim and Yusuf.
He will be buried tomorrow after a two-hour funeral service at the Maranatha Christian Community Church, from 10am, with removal at 12 noon to Kilbarry Cemetery for burial on arrival.