A friend of a Derby explorer who “didn’t have a bad bone in his body” has paid tribute ahead of plans to publish his book in the wake of his death. Chaddesden man Lewis Stevenson tragically fell to his death on Sunday, October 13, while trying to claim Spain’s highest bridge without safety equipment.
Although it was widely reported that the 26-year-old, who previously attended Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, was an “influencer”, his close friend and local tattooist, Carl James, said he was “much more than that”. Carl has known Lewis’ family for as long as he can remember and praised Lewis as a “man of many talents” – adding that he would often shy away from sharing just how gifted he was.
Speaking on Lewis’ death and the effect it has had on the team at Chester Green’s Inkglorious tattoo studio, who Lewis was very close with, the 36-year-old said: “A lot of people gave Lewis the label of ‘influencer’, but I wouldn’t quite say that is correct. He had a private Instagram which he posted some amazing photos on.
“Sure, he had a daredevil side to him, but above else he was incredibly gifted as a musician and and incredible friend to many. What he achieved in his 26 years of life is more than most would achieve in 10 lifetimes, we are all just devasted that he is no longer with us.”
(Image: Lewis Stevenson)
Lewis was an avid traveller and released three books showcasing his stories and experiences gathered while exploring Europe and South America. Lewis’ “best” work, according to Carl, comes in the form of ‘The Good Time People’, which was released post-lockdown and included his memoirs of the pandemic, and ‘Sandswept Journeys Traversing the Sahara Desert’, which showed photographs of Lewis’s journey across the Sahara.
Following his death, a draft of a fourth book that was near completion was lifted from his work computer, prompting an effort from friends and family to get Lewis’ final book published.
Carl, along with colleagues at Inkglorious and members of Lewis’ family, is set to host a fundraising event on Saturday (November 2), which will allow locals to gather and appreciate his work – which will be hung around the shop – and get cheap tattoos, with all funds received going towards publishing the book. A DJ will be on-site and food and drink is sure to be in abundance on Saturday, with people asked to gather and celebrate his life from 10am until “late”.
“Lewis was literally the greatest person you could ever meet, I know it’s cliche to say things like that, but it really is true,” Carl said. “We are running a Lewis Day this weekend, and we really hope to get his final book published.
“We are doing tattoos on a donation basis (minimum £50), and we will be displaying all his art and prints on the walls, which can be purchased on the day. It should be a really nice day to remember the nicest lad in the world.”
Lewis’ mum, Keilia, released a touching tribute to what was her “biggest achievement.” She said: “Lewis was my boy, my world and my biggest achievement. He was happy and ambitious in life. He was a thrill seeker who loved to travel and have new experiences.
“We, as a whole family, supported his adventures around the world, which included amazing places he got to visit like Easter Island and Machu Picchu, but unfortunately, those adventures also included climbing great heights, which we didn’t particularly agree with but understood this was what he loved to do. He knew his limits and never did anything beyond them.
“He was a keen photographer and he did this all for passion not as an influencer. There will forever be a hole in our hearts and life will not be the same again. We are absolutely devastated by this tragic accident and ask people to please be respectful while we grieve.”
Anyone who wants to pay a visit or book a tattoo over the weekend is asked to message Inkglorious on Facebook. Although the minimum donation will be £50 on the day, this may vary depending on the size and detail of the piece.
This post was originally published on here
