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Remembering Dontae Davis
Dontae Davis was a kind, generous and caring young man who was sadly murdered recently.
He was a young man that had battled adversity, got himself a college place and a job on the turnstiles at Bristol Rovers. He was also a much-loved member of Empire Fighting Chance.
The following messages was sent to Empire Fighting Chance from a family they recently worked with on news of his passing, and it sums Dontae up perfectly:
“We are absolutely devastated for you all. Dontae supported us in sessions when we were in our dark place not that long ago – he was always kind and patient with our son, smiling throughout! Just heart-breaking.”
We at Bristol Rovers stand with the Empire Team here today paying tribute – rest in peace champ.
These words were spoken by Lance Cooke (Match Day Announcer) from Bristol Rovers and written by Empire before the game against Tranmere on Saturday 20th November ushering a respectful silence in the stadium. A photo of smiling Dontae, a smile that touched so many, including the Empire Fighting Chance team, was shown on the big screen whilst I’ll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans played.
A second tribute took place during the 18th minute of the game with a minute’s applause. The 18th minute reflected his age, reinforcing the tragedy of a life cut short by senseless and unnecessary violence.
The Memorial Stadium clapped and sang in tribute whilst Dontae’s photograph was again shown on the big screen.
“Thank you to Bristol Rovers and the Fans for the tribute for Dontae today, having known him personally it was incredibly touching to see.”
Courtney Young, Coach Supervisor
Marvin Rees, who joined Empire for the game tweeted “Touching moment at Bristol Rovers this afternoon as club and fans remember Dontae Davis, the Bristol teenager who was stabbed and died on Oct 14. Picture up and fans applaud on 18mins. He’d worked at the Ground.”
Empire CEO Martin Bisp said
“This has been an incredibly tough few weeks for us at Empire. Dontae was someone we loved, and the tragedy has hit everyone really hard. I would like to thank Bristol Rovers for their kindness and especially Tom Gorringe and Lance Cook for all their efforts to make Saturday a fitting tribute to someone who lit up the room when he entered.”
Martin Bisp, CEO Empire Fighting Chance
We send our love and condolences to the Davis family, and to all that were lucky enough to know Dontae.
From your Empire Family - rest in peace champ, we’ll miss you.
