A BOY has been charged in connection with the death of 16-year-old Kayden Moy in Irvine at the weekend.
The 17-year-old male youth has been charged as part of the investigation into the death.
Around 6.45pm on Saturday, 17 May, 2025, officers were called to a report of a 16-year-old being seriously injured on Irvine beach. Emergency services attended and Kayden, of East Kilbride, was taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock. He died a short time later.
The 17-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the death.
He is due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 20 May, 2025.
Extensive enquiries remain ongoing.
“He was loved by so many and that is shown in the huge number of heartfelt messages we have received since his death.
“We would like to thank everyone who has shown us support over these last few days."
READ MORE: East Kilbride mourns Kayden Moy after Irvine beach tragedy
Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, Major Investigations Team, said:
“Our thoughts remain with Kayden’s family at this very difficult time. Specially trained officers are continuing to support Kayden’s family
“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.
“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and I am again asking anyone who may have information which could help us and who has not yet come forward, to please contact us.
“No matter how small it may seem, it may be the key piece we need.
“I would like to thank the community in both Irvine and East Kilbride for their support so far."
READ MORE: Thousands raised in memory of teen who died after Irvine beach incident
Superintendent Jim McMillan said: “This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident for not just those at Irvine Beach on Saturday, but for Kayden’s family, friends and the wider communities affected. We are engaging with the communities in both Irvine and East Kilbride.
“There continues to be a police presence in the area, and additional patrols will be carried out where required.
"I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to approach a local officer – they are there to help.”
A 17-year-old male youth has been charged as part of the investigation into the death of Kayden Moy, 16, in Irvine.
— Police Scotland Ayrshire (@PSOS_Ayrshire) May 19, 2025
The incident happened around 6.45pm on Saturday, 17 May, 2025 on Irvine beach.
Statement: https://t.co/C1eQ6e6MEz pic.twitter.com/GEpWQpoAAe
The Glasgow Times reported earlier today how a devastated headteacher paid tribute to their former pupil, Kayden.
Annette Alexander, headteacher at Duncanrig Secondary School in East Kilbride, said she was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the death of 16-year-old Kayden Moy, who died on May 18 after a disturbance at Irvine beach the previous evening.
READ MORE: ScotRail issue statement after teen sadly dies following beach incident
Describing Kayden as "full of character", Ms Alexander said the teenager left a lasting impact on the school community.
She said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our former pupil, Kayden Moy. Kayden was a kind and caring young man and full of character. He touched the lives of many within our school community.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Kayden’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed, but he will always be remembered with affection in our school.”
South Lanarkshire Council echoed the school’s sentiments, offering its condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
A council spokesperson said: “This has been a tragic event and our profound sympathies go out to Kayden’s loved ones.
"We are very much aware that it will have a wider impact on many people, including a number of our pupils.
"We will work with school staff to ensure that all appropriate supports are in place for anyone who needs them.
“We will, of course, also provide every possible assistance to Police Scotland as they carry out their investigations.”
The teenager’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and residents.
Kayden’s father, Paul Moy, shared a moving tribute on social media: "My firstborn son, my big boy, my best friend, my main man, my everything.
"Rest easy, my boy."
Family member Karen Nelson also shared her heartbreak online: "Thinking of my big sister, Marion, her fiancé, Kris and all his family as their oldest boy, Kayden, passed away at the age of 16.
"My heart is broken for them. All thoughts are with the whole family at this devastating time.
"Shine bright, pal. Forever 16."
Hundreds of messages of sympathy have flooded social media, with many expressing their sorrow at the loss of a young life.
One person said: "This is so heartbreaking, a young boy with his life in front of him, coming to the beach to enjoy with friends.
"I send my sincere condolences to all the family and friends."
Another added: "I am so sorry for your loss. As a parent, I can't even imagine the pain you're all going through.
"Absolutely heartbreaking, God love you all."
A third replied: "So much taken in one moment of madness. Doesn't bear thinking about. Heartbreaking."
A GoFundMe campaign set up in Kayden’s memory has already raised more than £9,100 toward its £12,000 goal.
Organised by Busby AFC, the football club where Kayden played as a youth, the fundraiser aims to support his grieving family.
A statement from the club read: “The club was devastated to learn of Kayden Moy’s passing.
“Kayden played in our youth set-up for several years, and this has hit everyone hard.
"His grandfather, a long-term volunteer, player, coach, and friend of the club, continues to coach Kayden’s younger brother in our junior section.
"While nothing can replace the life lost, we hope this fundraising effort can help ease the burden on the family.”
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