Her death has sparked outrage across the UK.
Feb 15, 2023 4:50pm ET
• 4 minutes reading time
Two teenagers have been charged in the death of Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl found dead in the English town of Warrington.
Emergency services were called to a local park on February 11 when Ghey’s body was found on a path, authorities said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
People hold placards as they shout slogans during a vigil in London February 15, 2023 in honor of 16-year-old transgender teenager Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed to death. Niklas Halle’n/AFP via Getty Images
A 15-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl were first arrested and questioned by Cheshire Constabulary police and later charged with murder on Wednesday.
Police say it’s unclear if the circumstances surrounding her death were linked to hatred, but an investigation into a motive is ongoing.
“A number of investigations are ongoing into this incident and we are doing everything we can to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans said in a statement.
Ghey was described by her family as “a larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression whatever she met”.
Members of the public attend a candlelit vigil outside the Department of Education in London February 15, 2023 in memory of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey, who was fatally stabbed in a park on Saturday. Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire via ZUMA Press
“Brianna was a very beloved daughter, granddaughter and little sister,” her family said in a statement. “Brianna was beautiful, funny and hilarious. Brianna was strong, fearless and unique.”
Ghey was a popular social media personality with thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok.
Brianna Ghey can be seen in this undated photo released by the Cheshire Police.Cheshire Police
Candlelight vigils continue to be held across the UK – from Glasgow, Scotland to Dublin, Ireland – as the transgender community honors and mourns Ghey’s memory and life.
“The loss of her young life has left a huge hole in our family and we know the teachers and their friends who were involved in her life will feel the same,” Ghey’s family said.