Murdered transgender teenager remembered as talented, witty, and courageous by her grieving family and school community.

The parents of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl tragically murdered in February, have shared emotional tributes to their daughter, describing her as a “fearless” and “witty” individual who was filled with talent. Brianna, who was fatally stabbed in Linear Park, Culcheth, Cheshire, on February 11, was the victim of a brutal attack for which two young individuals were found guilty.

Outside Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey, tearfully spoke about the profound loss of her daughter. “Brianna was larger than life. She was funny, witty, and fearless. Our house feels empty without her laughter,” she said, struggling to come to terms with her loss.

Peter Spooner, Brianna’s father, expressed the intense pain he felt every day, knowing he would never see his daughter again. “It breaks me every day,” he told reporters. “I remember the faces she would make to make me laugh, her cheeky giggle, and funny dances – these memories are etched in my mind.”

Reflecting on his daughter’s bright future, he shared how proud he was of Brianna’s achievements, particularly the support she received from her growing TikTok following. “I knew she was going to be a star,” he said. “The amount of love she got from her followers proves just how talented and special she was.”

The grieving parents condemned the lack of remorse shown by Brianna’s killers, with Esther stating that their actions had taken away their sympathy for them. “They’ve shown no remorse,” she said. “But I do feel empathy for their families. They’ve also lost a child, and they must live with the knowledge of what their child has done.”

Peter Spooner described the pain of his daughter’s murder as “heartbreaking” and expressed his anger over the cruelty of the act. “I hate that her life was taken so brutally,” he said. “She was deprived of the future she deserved. I can’t comprehend how someone could do something so vile.”

Brianna’s mother also described her as a young woman who was unafraid to be herself. “She was fearless about being who she wanted to be,” she said. “She didn’t see her gender identity as a hurdle; it was just who she was.”

Emma Mills, Brianna’s headteacher, also praised her for being “loud, proud, and confident” in her identity. Mills told the BBC, “There was never any evidence that Brianna was bullied. She was able to hold her own in any situation.” Mills expressed frustration at how Brianna had been portrayed as a victim in the media, stressing that Brianna had always lived proudly and confidently.

Brianna’s tragic death has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and school community, but her parents are committed to keeping her legacy alive by remembering her strength, talent, and courage.