Fundraiser for Marcus Smith who died in Whaley Bridge farm shooting surpasses £12,000

An online donation page has raised over £10,000 following the fatal shooting of teenager Marcus Smith. The 19-year-old was shot dead during a suspected burglary a farm on Eccles Road, Whaley Bridge, at around 1.20am on May 1.

Marcus died at the scene. A second man, who is in his teens, was found with a gunshot wound nearby. He remains in hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A man in his 50s who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder has been bailed as investigations continue, as have three other men who were arrested in connection with the burglary.

READ MORE 'I helped two teenagers escape from a crashed car - then one grabbed a machete'

Following his death, Marcus, who played for Chapel Town FC and worked as a DJ at the Shoulder of Mutton pub, has been remembered as a "kind, loving and warm hearted lad".

A GoFundMe page set up to support his family with funeral costs has also surpassed £12,000, with a walk up Kinder Scout, in the Peak District, also organised for friends and family.

A description on the public page read: "As many of you may have heard Marcus Smith was involved in a tragic incident on the Wednesday. He was a kind, loving and warm hearted lad, who was special to so many people. He will forever be missed but kept in so many people’s hearts."

Others posted tributes, with one person writing: "You had a heart of gold and were fiercely loyal to those you loved. Loved by so many we will never forget you" as another said: "Marcus, you were so loved. We are so devastated this has happened. Stay strong, we are here with you."

Derbyshire Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Prev