Archbishop mourns death of 18 year old from TV's The Greatest Dancer

A message from the Archbishop of Westminster has been read at the funeral of a teenager killed as he returned from his school prom.

Kajetan Migdal, 18, died in hospital following being attacked in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. 

A promising dancer, who appeared on the TV show The Greatest Dancer with the group Prospect Fraternity, Kajetan's death has shaken the community.

Almost 700 well-wishers attended the funeral at St Hugh of Lincoln Roman Catholic Church in Letchworth.

Even more people attended via livestream. 

During Mass, a letter was read by Fr James Garvey from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, expressing his "sincere sympathy and prayers at this very difficult time". 

"Such a loss in these circumstances leaves us with many questions," the message read.

"I pray as you recall your memories of Kajetan with real thankfulness in your hearts, you will renew your faith in the promises God makes to us in Jesus Christ, that death is not the end of life but the beginning of a new eternal life with God in heaven.

"May you all be filled with hope and courage."

Mass was conducted by auxiliary bishop, Paul McAleenan, alongside Fr Garvey and nine other clergymen. 

Bishop Paul said the funeral was a chance to reflect on the life of Kajetan; to "call to mind what he means to us, and to pray for him".

"For many, especially for Kajetan's family, life has been put on hold since 28 May," he said.

"That evening before began with so much joy, hope and celebration and ended in tragedy, as did Kajetan's earthly life, which was so full of promise.

"You will find the memory of Kajetan's uniqueness will come flooding back today." 

An 18 year-old man has been charged with murder and is due to appear in court again in August.