LGBTQ

Tributes pour in for Harvey Parker after beloved 20-year-old found dead

Tributes have been paid to student Harvey Parker, whose body was recovered from the River Thames. (Just Giving)

Tributes are pouring in for Harvey Parker, a beloved friend, family member and “phenomenal” musician, after their body was discovered in the River Thames.

The 20-year-old had been missing for three weeks and was last seen leaving the LGBT+ Heaven nightclub by Charing Cross in the early morning hours of 17 December.

The Met Police confirmed on Thursday (6 January) that a body recovered from the River Thames that of Harvey Parker. Their death is currently being treated as unexplained, the police said.

Parker’s family released a statement thanking those who “searched with us, posted, shared and supported us and the Met police in finding Harvey”.

“Your love and support ensured so many people know something of the blazing, glorious person that we were lucky to have in our lives,” they wrote.

The tragic discovery prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the LGBT+ community.

Harvey was queer, autistic and an accomplished musician. In a previous interview with Metro, their mother Amanda Parker described them as “very academically gifted and really confident”.

“Harvey’s a phenomenal musician,” she said. “Harvey is very engaging, has lots of friends and is quirky.”

The University of York, where Harvey was a student, said in a statement on Twitter that it was “shocked and saddened” to hear of their death.

“Our thoughts remain with Harvey’s family at this really difficult time.”

The Theatre Royal Stratford East, where Harvey worked as a front of house staff member, also paid tribute.

“Everyone at Stratford East is completely devastated by this terribly sad news,” it wrote. on Instagram.

“We will take some time to mourn Harvey before thinking of the best ways to celebrate Harvey’s life, with all those who loved Harvey as a fellow colleague and a friend.”

The theatre also called on people to donate to a Just Giving page created by Parker’s family and friends to ensure that “others like Harvey are able to shine as brightly”.

The money will go to “young queer support groups, neurodiverse and gender-diverse young people” who would “benefit from emotional or mental health support”.

The family said the money will help “support talented musicians from under-represented communities” as well.

Thus far, the family has raised over £55,700.

Readers affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Samaritans free on 116 123 (samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (mind.org.uk).

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