A homeless Dutchman was found dead on the street in Milan last week. It turns out to be 31-year-old Kevin, who has been in Italy for a long time. His death stirs up a lot in the neighborhood.
A lively, talkative young man who was often drawing and never bothered anyone: this is how local residents describe him in the many reactions on social media.
Although he would often have been offered help, according to the Milanese he always politely declined. In English, because Kevin didn’t speak a word of Italian.
Long blond locks
In the Italian newspapers, local residents express their sympathy with Kevin, says correspondent Anouk Boone from Italy. “They describe him as someone who always carried his backpack on his shoulder. His long blond locks and blue eyes caught their eye. They were eager to help him, but he didn’t want to go to the communal dormitories.”
The local police also confirm his death. “He was well known and loved by residents of the Feltre residential area,” said a Milan police spokesman. According to him, Kevin has never been in contact with crime or the police and it is “a sad story about a young guy.”
‘My roof is the sky’
When he was found, he was wrapped in a blanket on a bench. At that time he had no ID or other papers in his pocket, writes the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Kevin is said to have said to the local priest, “My roof is the sky.” He is also described by the newspaper as someone who often drank alcohol.
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No help
The Dutch consulate in Milan was informed of his death last week. Kevin had been in Italy for a long time, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “He did not ask for help from the consulate during his stay in Italy,” said a spokesman.
The ministry is now in contact with his family in the Netherlands. Arrangements are made for the funeral.
