The family of Johnathan Darrell, whose life was claimed in a stabbing incident at Rural Hill Plaza on August 22, remembered a sociable and hard-working man “loved by everyone” at a special service over the weekend.

“My son was a lover, not a fighter — he wouldn’t hurt a fly,” said Mr Darrell’s mother, Belinda Ann Darrell, of the 27-year-old construction worker.

A former Berkeley Institute student, Mr Darrell lived at Fairhaven Lane, Sandys with his brother Kyle Darrell, niece Ashley Simons and father William H Darrell. Family, friends and colleagues turned out in tribute to him on Sunday at Bright Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Known for his fondness of the colour blue and kind manner towards children, Mr Darrell also had a love for sports, including track and field, and was close with his colleagues at Johnny Lima Construction.

Mrs Darrell said his family had been left stunned by his killing during a mêlée near the popular late-night eatery Ice Queen.

“It was just a senseless, senseless act,” she said.

“I can’t even look at that area when we go past — the thought of my son lying there dead is mind-boggling.”

Violent incidents had broken out in the area late at night before, she said, calling for more security to be put in place.

“That’s all I’m asking for, so that it does not happen to another family — it’s not the first time it’s happened to somebody there,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the serious crime unit on 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.