Artian Lushaku: Funeral service for 13-year-old boy struck by car in Glasgow who was 'an absolute joy'

A funeral service will take place later on Friday for a teenage boy who died after being struck by a car in Glasgow.

Artian Lushaku passed away at the Royal Hospital for Children, four days after being hit by a Toyota Aygo on Balmore Road, in the Lambhill area of the city.

The 13-year-old’s funeral will be held at Glasgow Central Mosque and Artian will then be buried at a cemetery in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire.

Artian’s father, Durim, and mother, Mevylda, told STV News they were “heartbroken”.

Mr Lushaku said: “He was the best son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend. He was an absolute joy to be around.

“We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken and life will never ever be the same without him.

“But we will carry on for the sake of our other children and we will try and make Artian as proud as he made us. I have no words these days, completely speechless, as his mum.”

Artian attended Cleveden Secondary School in Kelvindale. The school day will end early on Friday in order to allow pupils and staff to attend his funeral.

Furthermore, a balloon release in memory of Artian will take place at Dunard Park in Maryhill at 1pm on Saturday, to coincide with what would have been his 14th birthday.

Those attending are encouraged to wear blue or red colours.

Claire Wilson, the headteacher at Cleveden, described Artian as a boy who was “loved by everyone who knew him”.

In a full statement, she said: “Our school community is in mourning, and we are devastated about the tragic death of Artian who was loved by everyone who knew him.

“He has been with us for two years and in that time, he has left such a mark on our school with his confident, outgoing, friendly, caring, and enthusiastic nature.

“Artian brought a sense of fun to anything he set his mind to.

“He will also be remembered for his sporting talents, and we will all miss him.

“The awful events of last week have been a shock to everyone and our thoughts and loving prayers are with Artian’s family and friends at this deeply distressing time.

“We will do everything we can to support our school community over the coming days and months.”

Enquiries remain ongoing and officers are keen to speak to the driver of a white van who was in the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3122 of May 10, 2023.