Derbyshire family pay tribute to their 'ray of sunshine'
19 year old Liam Derrett died after being assaulted on a night out in Ilkeston
Last updated 5th Jun 2025
The family of a teenager who died after an incident in Ilkeston have described him as their “ray of sunshine” in a moving tribute.
Liam Derrett was on a night out with friends when he was assaulted on the Market Place in the early hours of Sunday 1 June.
The 19-year-old died in hospital two days later.
His family have paid tribute to him. The said:
“Liam brings amazing energy wherever he goes and makes everyone’s day brighter. He is our little ray of sunshine.
“He found his love for snowboarding for the first time this year and was looking forward to going with his friends and family in 2026.
“To have him taken from us is truly heartbreaking and we are completely devastated, but the love and support from friends, family and the people of Ilkeston over the last few days has truly humbled us.”
Five people have been arrested in connection with Liam’s death so far. Two men have been charged with murder and appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court earlier today. They are:
Kai Donachie, 23, of Bilborough Road, Nottingham
Joshua Harris, 24, of Little Hallam Lane, Ilkeston
Two women aged 18 and 19, and a 19-year-old man, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain on bail pending further inquiries.