https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-58536344?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGAIn a statement, his family said that he died "on the day he started his first day at college studying catering", nearly two weeks before he was due to turn 17.
"We are all devastated and are now left with an empty hole in our hearts. Mero was a beautiful soul and got on with everyone who he met."
Detectives are looking at whether other incidents on Thursday evening are linked to the stabbing.
A car found in Upper Chorlton Road after a crash is thought to be linked to the murder.
Another vehicle hit a pedestrian in Cross Street a short time after the stabbing, GMP said.
Det Ch Insp Liz Hopkinson said: "There will be people who know who was involved in this attack on a young teenager and we would ask them to come forward - even the smallest bit of information may prove vital in our investigation.
"A family have lost their young son and they are deserving of answers."