14-Year-Old Musician Raymi Saldaña Rojas was an extraordinary young musician whose talent and passion for music captivated audiences. His life was tragically cut short during a boat trip in Amsterdam, leaving his grieving parents searching for answers.
Raymi’s remarkable journey as a musician, the circumstances surrounding his untimely death, and his family’s quest for justice paint a heartbreaking picture of loss and determination.
A Remarkable Young Talent
From an early age, Raymi Saldaña Rojas displayed an extraordinary gift for music. Born in London to parents of Bolivian and Peruvian heritage, he was raised in a household where music was an essential part of life.
His parents, both musicians themselves, nurtured his talent, and together they formed a musical trio called Sagrada Familia. Raymi was an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and despite his young age, he achieved milestones that many musicians only dream of.
His achievements were staggering. He became the youngest performer ever to grace the stage of London’s Jazz Cafe, an iconic venue in the city’s music scene. He performed alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the prestigious Maida Vale Studios and won numerous awards.
Raymi Saldaña Rojas was supported by the London Music Fund for four years and was an integral part of Music Education Islington, where he contributed to a flute ensemble.
At just nine years old, he received an award from Young Sounds UK, which provided him with the opportunity to play at the Royal Academy of Music, Leeds Conservatoire, and BBC’s Maida Vale Studios. His talent was undeniable, and his passion for music was evident to all who knew him.
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Beyond his musical achievements, Raymi Saldaña Rojas was also a gifted writer and poet. His love for literature was evident, and his school, William Ellis School in Gospel Oak, has since established an English writing award in his name. Additionally, Music Education Islington has set up a music award to honor his memory.
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Despite his immense talent and bright future, Raymi’s life was tragically cut short during what was supposed to be an enjoyable holiday.
A Tragic Accident in Amsterdam
In July 2024, Raymi Saldaña Rojas was on holiday in Amsterdam with friends and their family. It was during a boat trip on the IJ Bay, a well-known body of water on Amsterdam’s waterfront, that tragedy struck. Raymi, who was unable to swim, somehow ended up in the water. The exact details of how he fell remain unclear, leaving his parents with more questions than answers.
The sudden loss of their only son shattered the lives of Raymi’s parents, Jeanette Rojas and Carlos Saldaña. Their world was destroyed in an instant, and they have been struggling to come to terms with the loss ever since.
Mr. Saldaña, who had always used music as a means to express himself and support others, found himself unable to play after his son’s passing. Every note, every melody, reminded him of Raymi and deepened his sorrow.
Raymi’s mother, Ms. Rojas, has spoken of the devastating impact of their loss. She recalls how their family was always together, sharing their love of music with their community. Now, every morning feels like waking up to a nightmare that never ends. The pain of losing their son is compounded by the lack of clarity surrounding his death.
A coroner is set to hold an inquest to determine the circumstances of Raymi’s passing. However, the family is not eligible for legal aid representation during the hearing. They are now seeking financial support to cover legal costs, hoping that a thorough investigation will provide the answers they desperately seek.
A Family’s Fight for Justice
Raymi’s parents have been actively working to raise funds for legal representation to ensure a proper investigation into their son’s death. They have launched a crowdfunding campaign through CrowdJustice, with a target of £58,000. So far, they have raised nearly £20,000, thanks to overwhelming support from the Hispanic and Latin American community in London. However, they still have a long way to go to reach their goal.
For the grieving parents, the fight for justice is not just about uncovering the truth but also about honoring their son’s legacy. They believe Raymi deserved to live a long and fulfilling life, sharing his music and passion with the world.
Ms. Rojas has expressed her heartbreak and frustration, questioning why her son had to be the one to lose his life. She believes that no other family should have to endure a similar tragedy and hopes that by sharing their story, they can help prevent such incidents in the future.
An obituary published in The Guardian by journalist Silvia Rothlisberger, a close family friend, described Raymi as a young musician who was passionate about peace, justice, and humanity. His kindness and humility left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his absence is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the music community.
While it is touching to see the ways in which Raymi is being remembered, including the establishment of awards in his name, his parents remain overwhelmed by grief. The pain of losing their only son is unbearable, and they are determined to do everything in their power to seek justice for him.
Raymi Saldaña Rojas was a young musician with a promising future, a kind-hearted individual who touched the lives of many. His tragic and untimely death has left a void that can never be filled. As his parents continue their quest for answers, they are not only fighting for justice for their son but also working to ensure that his story is never forgotten.