In Loving Memory of John Temitope Onetufo

In Loving Memory of John Temitope Onetufo

Lewisham, South London

With profound sorrow, the Lewisham community is mourning the tragic and untimely loss of John Temitope Onetufo, age 23, who was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in a senseless act of violence. John’s passing has left family, friends, and the wider community reeling with grief, struggling to comprehend a life taken far too soon.

The fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight on Grove Street, Lewisham, when emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at approximately 12:35 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31. Despite the swift response of an air ambulance and paramedics, John suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. The tragic circumstances have left a profound impact on all who knew him, as well as on the community where he lived and worked.

John was a young man full of potential, a beloved son, and a friend whose presence brightened the lives of those around him. He lived in Deptford, and those who knew him remember him as kind-hearted, approachable, and full of warmth. His life, though tragically cut short, was one of connection, care, and promise. Friends and family recall moments of laughter, shared memories, and the small but meaningful ways he touched their lives.

A teenager has now been charged with John’s murder. Due to legal restrictions, the boy cannot be named. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Additionally, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released on bail, while an 18-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has also been bailed. Authorities are working to ensure justice is served as the community seeks answers and closure.

The loss of John Temitope Onetufo has left a void that can never be filled. His family and friends are grieving not only his death, but the future moments that will now never come to be—the birthdays, milestones, and everyday joys he would have shared with his loved ones. His memory, however, will endure through the love he gave, the relationships he nurtured, and the lives he touched.

As Lewisham and the surrounding community mourn this devastating loss, there is also a collective desire to honor John’s life. Tributes, prayers, and acts of remembrance are being shared to celebrate the person he was—a loving son, loyal friend, and valued member of the community. While grief runs deep, the memories of John’s character, kindness, and spirit remain a source of comfort to those who loved him.

May John Temitope Onetufo rest in eternal peace. May his family find strength in their shared memories and solace in the support of the community that surrounds them. And may his life be remembered not for the tragedy that ended it, but for the love, joy, and humanity he brought into the world.

Gone too soon. Forever loved. Forever remembered. 🕊️