A parade of pink balloons were released into the sky above Sackville Gardens tonight as part of a moving tribute to a ‘free-spirited party-loving lad’ who died last week.
Bar manager Aaron Jarvis, 31, tragically died in a three-vehicle crash on Bury New Road in Whitefield last Thursday (November 4).
Police said Aaron had been a back-seat passenger in a BMW 320D as it crossed the central reservation onto the opposing carriageway before colliding with a black Renault Megane.
Read more: Police raid couple’s home at midnight after M62 arrest – and find they’re behind major drugs operation
The BMW was then involved in a further crash with a black Ford Transit van.
Two passengers were taken to hospital while two men, the driver and front seat passenger of the BMW, fled the scene.
Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, Aaron worked as a manager at Tribeca bar in Manchester’s Gay Village.
(Image: GMP)
Large balloons spelling out Aaron’s name have been laid outside Tribeca since the news of his death was announced.
It has been filled with candles, flowers and heartfelt messages and photos from those who knew him.
A memorial held outside Sackville Gardens on Monday night (November 8) saw a large number of people gather to remember Aaron.
The event, set up by friends and family, asked people to attend in bandanas and shorts – paying tribute to his ‘fun-loving’ nature.
In a touching message read out by close friend Erin, Aaron’s friend Chloe said: “He was a very caring person and always put others first.
“I’m going to miss him a lot. I never let myself get as close to anyone as I had with him. I would love to just spend one more night with him, even if it was him shouting at me asking to borrow my shoes, bag, aftershave or top.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
“I know the Village is not going to be the same for a lot of people now that Aaron is gone. He was always there, it was a second home for him and he will be missed by a lot of people.
“I’ll always have you in my heart. You’re my friend, my brother and the best thing to ever walk into my life.”
Friend Martha Endersbee, who worked with Aaron at Tribeca, added: “Not having him at work this last weekend was so hard as I was just expecting him to walk through the door.
“Right now, I’m just so grateful for everything he did for me.
“He made a huge impact on my life both inside and outside of work. He’s left an Aaron-shaped hole in all of our hearts.”
The memorial event concluded with a release of pink balloons in Sackville Gardens before flares and fireworks depicting the LGBTQ+ flag colours were let off.
Tribeca bar manager Hazel O’Keefe said of Aaron: “He spent most his life listening, being present, caring for, supporting people and bringing people together.
“He was like an anchor holding us together no matter what.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
“He was a good person, fun, kind, considerate and always went the extra mile for the people he cared for.”
She added: “We didn’t just work together, we were chosen family. We worked hard, we played hard.
““He was my rock, he gave me clarity and sanity.
“What will stay with me forever is his kindness, loyalty and love of life.
“He taught me how to be myself and value myself and he loved me for me.
“I believed in him no matter what and he knew that. We were unbreakable.”
Aaron’s family paid a heartfelt tribute to him earlier today saying they will ‘miss him more than words can say’.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
The tribute, issued via Greater Manchester Police, said: “Aaron was a fun-loving free-spirited party-loving lad that just loved everyone and everyone loved him – the tributes that have been sent from his friends are heartfelt and appreciated by his whole family.
“He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“We miss him more than words can say and love him with all of our hearts.”
Police are continuing to appeal for information on the crash.
A 28-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice has been released under investigation.
Enquiries are ongoing.
A fundraising page has also been set up to help cover the costs of Aaron’s funeral.
Anyone with information on the crash should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 440 of 04/11/21.
Alternatively, details can be passed via the GMP website or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For all the latest World News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
