Friends and family toured spots in Islington where trees are planted in memory of the teenage musician

FRIENDS and family walked for four hours to mark what would have been the 16th birthday of a boy who tragically drowned in 2024.

Raymi Saldaña Rojas died while on holiday with friends in Amsterdam aged 14.

Celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, his loved ones toured spots in Islington where trees are planted in his memory.

Pupils at William Ellis Secondary School, where Raymi had attended, joined them for the first stop, before they continued to Grafton Primary School, followed by Manor Gardens and Highbury Fields Wildlife Gardens.

“It was so special to mark all the spots that meant so much in Raymi’s life with the people who love him”, said his mother Jeanette. “We shared music and lunch and we composed a song that we sang at Manor Gardens.”

Raymi Saldaña Rojas with his parents

Raymi was a talented musician who lived in Seven Sisters Road and won multiple music scholarships. He was the youngest person to play at the Jazz Cafe when he performed there in the trio Sagrada Familia UK with his parents.

Ms Rojas had stopped playing music when her son died, but has finally been able to pick up her instrument again and says it has been cathartic.

She told the Tribune: “I felt like I died and I needed to die because I am starting to live again but in another form.

“I am completely honouring my son. Not just honouring his memory. It’s not possible that the last chapter of Raymi’s existence is a tragedy.

“No, we are here standing up. Raymi is a great human being and we are here remembering him.”

Raymi’s parents are still waiting for an inquest into their son’s death, after he drowned in the river IJ in Amsterdam in the summer of 2024. A report emerged later detailing alleged failings by the Dutch rescue authorities.