Tributes paid to footballer who died after York train station attack
A man's due in court later, charged with murder
Last updated 20th Dec 2024
A 32 year-old man who died following a serious assault at York railway station has been named by police.
James Hitchcock, who played as a goalkeeper for football teams across Yorkshire, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was seriously assaulted just before 9pm on 15th December.
He sadly died in hospital on 18th December with his family bedside.
His family pay tribute to him in a statement released today:
“Our hearts are broken. We still cannot comprehend the events that have taken place.
"James was one in a million, the life and soul of the party and did not deserve to be taken from us so soon and under such cruel circumstances.
“His memory will live on in the life of his beautiful baby boy. We would ask for our family’s privacy to be respected at this time whilst we process the loss of our beloves James.”
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Sam Painter said:
“Our specialist officers are continuing to support James’s family and friends following this tragic and horrific incident.
“We continue to urge witnesses, or anyone with information, who is yet to speak to officers to get in touch."
A man from Teesside is due in court later charged with murder.
McKenzie DiCicco - who's 22 - is also charged with affray and is due at Leeds Crown Court.