Families of teenager stabbed in Bristol release heartbreaking statements

22 February 2024 , 13:50

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Families of teenager stabbed in Bristol release heartbreaking statements

The heartbroken families of two teenagers stabbed to death in Bristol have paid touching tribute to the best pals.

Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, were attacked in south Bristol last month, and tragically stabbed to death. Local residents rushed to the scene of the attack, in Knowle West, to try and help the best friends on the evening of Saturday 27 January.

Emergency services scrambled the two boys to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medics, they died in the early hours of the following day. Now their families have paid touching tribute to the youngsters. Mason’s family described the Liverpool FC mad lad as a "precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many".

They continued: "There are not enough words to describe the pain we are feeling as a family. A kind, gentle soul who loved his PlayStation and Liverpool Football Club. He had his whole life ahead of him, with plans to start college later in the year with his place secured, something which was cruelly taken from him.

Max Dixon with his mother Leanne (Avon and Somerset Police)

Mason Rist with his sister Chloe (Avon and Somerset Police)

"We have found some comfort in the knowledge that you left this world with your best friend, Max. You will now be together forever. Also back with your dad. We will all miss you forever, until we meet again. We all love you so much. YNWA."

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Max was described as "respectful, fun, cheeky" and a "mummy’s boy". Max’s mum Leanne Ekland, sisters Jade Dixon, Kayleigh Dixon and Jasmine Dixon, and mum’s partner Trevor Silk said: "My beautiful brown eyed boy, you were my surprise baby, surprise boy, you were nameless for a week as I thought you were going to be a girl but Max you were so loved, you brought so much happiness to our lives.

Teenage best pals Mason Rist and Max Dixon pictured together (Avon and Somerset Police)

"You were respectful, fun, cheeky, you were a mummy’s boy! You were a loyal friend, kind grandchild, loving nephew, annoying brother to your sisters and a loving son. The world is worse off not having you in it. Thanking everyone for the support for Max and Mason, it’s been overwhelming. Everyone will miss that cheeky grin of yours."

Seven people have appeared before Bristol Crown Court in connection with the deaths. Four youths, aged 14, 15, 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are charged with murdering Mason and Max along with Anthony Snook, 44.

Max's family have paid touching tribute to him (PA)

Mason was described as a 'kind, gentle soul'

Jamie Ogbourne, 26, of Bishport Avenue, and Bailey Westcott, 22, of Vowell Close, both Bristol, face two charges of assisting an offender.

Police search a house in Inns Court Avenue, Knowle West, Bristol near to where Mason and Max were stabbed to death (SWNS)

All seven defendants will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on April 26. A provisional trial date of October 7 has been fixed.

Kieren Williams