‘I'm Only 15, Don't Let Me Die’: Heartbreaking Final Words of Stabbed Teenager

A 15-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed with a zombie-style knife in south-east London uttered the heartbreaking words, “I’m 15, don’t let me die,” as he lay bleeding on the pavement, according to a witness. Scotland Yard has launched a murder investigation after the boy, whose identity has yet to be released, was discovered with a stab wound on Eglinton Road in Woolwich on Sunday evening. Despite police arriving swiftly at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry called the tragic incident a “stark and sobering” reminder of the severe threat posed by zombie-style knives. His statement came as a new government law, set to take effect on Tuesday, will ban the possession, sale, manufacturing, or transportation of such weapons. These knives, often characterized by their serrated edges, exaggerated designs, and menacing names, have been linked to a growing surge in violent knife crimes.

Tasha Collins, a 43-year-old mother of three and local school worker, recounted her desperate attempt to save the boy's life as he lay gravely wounded near her home. Speaking from behind a police cordon, she recalled, “I was in my bedroom when I heard screams outside, shouting, ‘Someone’s been stabbed!’ I rushed out without thinking—no shoes, no socks—just a sheet in my hand.

When I got there, I saw him face down. I turned him over and saw a deep wound in his head, but it wasn’t bleeding much. Then I noticed the massive pool of blood from his leg. I did my best to stop the bleeding until paramedics arrived.”

After the paramedics took over, Collins, shaken and covered in blood, was permitted by the police to shower and clean herself. The investigation into the boy’s death continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

Tasha Collins, who attempted to save the life of a teenager fatally stabbed in south-east London, recalled the boy’s final, desperate plea. "He was looking at me, saying: ‘I’m 15, don’t let me die,’ and I told him, ‘You’re not going to die, mate.’" Collins, the last person to be with him before paramedics arrived, recognized the gravity of his wound. "I saw blood pouring from his leg and knew right away it was his artery. I wrapped my sheet around it and put every ounce of pressure I could until the paramedics came.

The teenager, who had also sustained a head injury, was a familiar face in the area. Ms. Collins described him as a polite and respectful young man, often seen with two friends. “The other day, he was sitting on the wall, and they were dancing to a TikTok song,” she said. “He didn’t have an attitude; he always moved out of the way when you walked by, and I would say hello.”

Though Collins didn't know him well, her instinct and quick thinking led to commendation from paramedics. She credited her knowledge of first aid to watching TV shows about the NHS.

Following the attack on Eglinton Road, armed police raided a nearby property, while officers continued to search for evidence at the crime scene into the following day. Floral tributes were placed by neighbors, marking the location of the tragedy.

No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing. Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry addressed the community at a press conference, saying: "Once again, we are faced with the heartbreaking task of telling a family their child has been killed in an act of senseless violence. Our deepest sympathies are with them as they try to come to terms with this devastating loss.

The tragic death of a 15-year-old, who had his entire future ahead of him, is a stark and sobering reminder of the deadly threat posed by zombie-style knives," stated Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry. "This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need to rid our streets of these dangerous weapons, and we remain committed to doing everything in our power to make that happen." Lawry also acknowledged the profound impact this murder will have on the local community. "We understand the deep concern this will create. The community’s fears are our fears, and we share those concerns wholeheartedly.

Knife crime has reached alarming levels, hitting record highs across eight police forces in the year leading up to March, including the Metropolitan Police, where incidents rose from 14,680 in 2020 to 14,961. The West Midlands saw a similar surge, with cases increasing from 5,192 to 5,266. Even more troubling, the number of crimes involving machetes, swords, or zombie knives has doubled over the past five years, soaring from 7,159 in 2019 to 14,195 in 2023, according to police data obtained through freedom of information requests.

In light of these figures, a spokesman for London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed deep concern, stating, "This kind of heart-breaking violence has no place on our streets." The mayor’s office pledged to increase police patrols in response to the escalating threat, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to knife-related crimes.

The rise of zombie knives—known for their brutal design and deadly efficiency—has fueled the recent spike in violent incidents, reinforcing the urgent need for both legislative and community-based actions to curb their use and protect vulnerable lives.

In conclusion, the senseless loss of a young life to knife violence underscores the urgent need for stronger action against the proliferation of zombie-style knives. With knife crime hitting record levels and the use of these deadly weapons on the rise, both law enforcement and communities must come together to address this growing crisis. The government's upcoming ban on zombie knives is a critical step, but ongoing efforts—including increased police presence and community awareness—will be essential in preventing future tragedies and making streets safer for everyone. The pain felt by families and communities serves as a sobering reminder that we must do more to protect young lives from senseless violence.