Tributes to ‘always positive’ former Arnewood School pupil Cian Everett who died suddenly aged 21

GLOWING tributes have been paid to talented musician and former Arnewood School pupil Cian Everett after his unexpected death aged just 21.

Cian, who died last month, was described by friends and colleagues as “always positive, upbeat, caring, kind and considerate and a wonderful young man”.

He was taken unwell at the beginning of January and passed away unexpectedly at home. His mum Gillian Everett has praised the quick response of the local paramedics who arrived within six minutes of her making the emergency call.

She also thanked police officers who attended, for their “sensitivity during what was an incredibly distressing situation”.

Gillian and Cian’s dad Clive said: “We are absolutely crushed and devastated at the loss of our beautiful son.

“He was on track to achieving a first-class degree in international relations and politics and had spent many hours during the Christmas holidays in applying for graduate schemes.

His sister Laura said that after graduating, Cian had been making plans to travel the US with his cousin Joe who is at university in Pennsylvania.

Passionate about music, Cian attended Coda as a pre-schooler. He learnt to play the drums with teacher Rowan Endicott at New Milton Junior School, and honed his talent while also teaching at Arnewood. Rowan said Cian was “one of the best and most enthusiastic drummers I have ever taught”.

Cian became an integral member of the school samba band and was awarded the Arnewood School Musician of the Year title in 2018 and 2019. He also formed a band with a group of friends who played in many of Arnewood’s concerts.

He took part in New Milton Music Festivals and went on to obtain a distinction in BTEC level 3 music technology at Brockenhurst College before going to Reading University in September 2022 to study politics and international relations.

Once there, Cian joined the university’s samba band and orchestra. He also played with a band Smudge, put together by friend Nate Jones, which proved so popular they played paid gigs at the university’s open days in September last year.

The band were due to play a gig at Reading’s renowned Purple Turtle bar in this month.

Described as “absolutely loving live music” Cian would travel all over the UK and Europe to attend festivals.

Cian also enjoyed numerous sports and was a member of the Christchurch Rowing Club’s junior squad.

Together with rowing partner Joshua Brangan, he won the J14 category at the Avon County Spring Head race in February 2018.

He also rowed in both single sculls and the coxed quads in numerous regattas and races along the south coast and on the Thames between 2018 and 2022. He was appointed junior club captain in 2021.

Cian was also a member of New Forest Volleyball Club, for whom he played between 2017 and 2022, before going onto play for Reading University’s White Knights team. He was voted club president last year.

He enjoyed mountain biking, sailing, windsurfing, running, weight training, hockey, golf, rugby and squash.

Described by his family as having a “self-deprecating sense of humour” Cian was also known for his fancy dress having “no limits”.

To create a legacy for Cian, his parents are setting up a charitable foundation, the Cian Everett Young Person’s Development Foundation.

Clive explained: “Cian was very lucky that he was given every opportunity to pretty much try any activity that he wanted to. Many children don’t receive that opportunity, so the aim of Cian’s foundation is to be able to facilitate the provision of funds to other charities, schools and clubs that provide programmes, events, and experiences which focus on the development of young people.”.

The foundation crowdfunding page is at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cian-everett-young-persons-development-foundation

Cian’s funeral will take place on 21st February 2025 at The Barn, Burley Manor, Burley at 1pm. All family and friends are welcome.