News / KNowle West
Trees planted and balloons released in memory of murdered teenagers
Family and friends of Mason Rist and Max Dixon gathered to plant two oak trees on the emotional first anniversary of the teenage boys’ death.
The event took place outside St Barnabas Church in Knowle West.
Trees were planted as living memorials to the two best friends, and a sign of growth and hope for their family and friends.
is needed now More than ever
The families of Mason Rist and Max Dixon planted two oak trees in their memory – photo: St Barnabas Knowle West
Mason and Max were murdered in Knowle West on January 27 2024 in a case of mistaken identity.
Best friends Max and Mason were fatally stabbed in Knowle West on January 27 2024 – photo: St Barnabas Knowle West
Mason’s sister, Chloe Rist, told Greatest Hits Radio that “people will see this as a reminder to do good things and make good choices”.
The ceremony was led by reverend Clive Hamilton and supported by Filwood tree Champion Jim Smith and Bristol City Council.
Family and friends also gathered on Sunday to release balloons in memory of the murdered teenagers at The Park Centre.
Red and blue balloons took to the sky while blue smoke flares were released to celebrate the lives of Mason and Max.
The family and friends of Mason Rist and Max Dixon released balloons into the sky – photo: Max Dixon Foundation
The balloons were released with written memories of the two best friends and messages of support for the friends and families.
Max’s mother, Leanne Ekland, told the BBC that all the support from the community had “really helped” her family.
She added: “There are no answers, there’s no closure for us, but hopefully we can turn this awful negativity into a huge positive and let Max and Mason’s names live on in a good way, instead of the way they were taken away from us.”
Family of Mason Rist and Max Dixon releases smoke flares in memory of the best friends – photo: Max Dixon Foundation
Main photo: St Barnabas Knowle West
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
