Berkeley victim's brother 'split in two' by loss

Niccolai Schuster’s brother Alexei broke down as he told mourners at the funeral how he felt split in two at the loss.

The pair were inseparable, he said.

“Someone said to me what struck them about our family is that we are more than that, we’re four best friends that did everything together, with my mum attempting to keep her three children – myself, my dad and Nicc – in line, only to give up and join in,” he said.

“Last night I couldn’t say it enough and I will never be able to, but Nicc I love you, I love you, I love you.

“Now I know I will never fear the next life, because I know I will be reunited with my best friend Nicc. I love Nicc with all my heart and everything I’ve got.

“Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling, I’m split in two. I’ve lost my twin.

“No brother should have to bury their own so young. But I got to know Niccolai Schuster, the greatest of them all.”

Niccolai was remembered as a prankster, a messer, someone full of life, and according to his mother Graziella, not someone you could stay mad with.

“He was not perfect but he was a very lovable rogue, who you could never be cross with for very long,” she said.

“Nicc never liked anyone to be sad or down around him and always tried to bring them out of themselves.

“For that I am very proud.”

Ms Schuster also remarked on the close bonds between her two boys.

“Nicc will forever be Alexei’s outrider, protecting him and revelling in the good times to come,” she said.

“One of the easiest and most important things to give a child is roots, the most difficult thing to give them is wings. they are equally important and John and I gave Niccolai both.

“God bless and love you my darling boy, you will be forever in our hearts.”

Alexei paid his brother the finest of compliments as he recalled getting respect in school and from friends and on nights out, not because of what he did but because of who he was.

He wanted to emulate him in everything he did.

“Nicc, I look up to you more than you could imagine. The king of tomfoolery. I gained respect in the schools and the nightclubs I’ve gone to just for the simple fact I was Nicc’s brother, and they thought I must be like him,” he said.

“I can only hope to be half the man you are Nicc.

“I didn’t deserve this respect but it was a mark of how much he was loved that I received this welcome. All I wanted is people to talk about me as they did about you, Nicc.”