BY JAMES SIMONS
An online memorial fund has been set up in memory of British trader, Nick Alexander, 36, who sold merchandise for the Eagles of Death Metal and was among the 158 killed in the fatal attacks in the Batacian Theatre in Paris, it has been announced today. The Alexander memorial fund was set up by his friend Miguel Benavils, and has so far raised $57,000 (£37,835), exceeding the £25,000 goal of the fund. All proceeds will go to his family to help them recover, though this can never fully compensate for the loss of their loved one. Nick was apparently loved by everyone that came in contact with him, a very amiable person by all accounts.
A statement from his family yesterday read:
“Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle, he was everyone’s best friend – generous, funny and fiercely loyal,” Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”
An old friend of Alexander told The eye of Media, Alexander was a well liked individual who loved travelling , meeting new people, and working hard. He was a committed chilled out guy and it is so unfortunate his exit from the world would happen in such a cruel way. We know he is in a better place now, he really was too good for this world. They say the good ones always go first”, but it is sad it would happen like this.
Music stars in some parts of the world paid tribute to Alexander, a former student of Manchester University.. Chicago based rock band ‘smashing pumpkins’, paid tribute to Nick on Twitter that read ” Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Nick Alexander. May he rest in peace
His American girlfriend from Newyork, Polina Buckley, wrote on Twitter: “3 years ago on this day I met you on the corner of East 15th and Irving Pl. I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on you.
“This was the most loving, passionate and eventful relationship I’ve ever experienced. You were my everything. My lover, my best friend, my soulmate.
“I am completely crushed and heartbroken right now. I will miss you terribly. Sleep tight, my sweet prince. I will always love you.”
Earlier she tweeted a photo of herself and Nick kissing with the caption: “You are and always will be the love of my life, Nick Alexander.”
Polina had launched a desperate Twitter appeal for help to find her boyfriend.
After his death was confirmed, she posted the tender picture of the couple, then later a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook.
She wrote: “3 years ago on this day I met you on the corner of East 15th and Irving Pl. I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on you.
“This was the most loving, passionate and eventful relationship I’ve ever experienced. You were my everything. My lover, my best friend, my soulmate.
“I am completely crushed and heartbroken right now. I will miss you terribly. Sleep tight, my sweet prince. I will always love you.”
Other news of some of the victims of the attack has been sad and disheartening. 33 year old Aurelli De Peretti was in Paris for a few days holidays after taking a break from a tough season working in Restaurants in the South of France. Her father, Jean Marie de Peretti, told AFP that she had been looking forward to the concert for months.
