Family pays tribute to ‘much loved’ footballer who died of head injury after alleged assault at railway station

Tributes have been paid to a ‘much loved’ football player who died in hospital after an alleged assault at York railway station.

Married father-of-one James Hitchcock, 32, suffered life-threatening head injuries during the incident, which the British Transport Police described as a ‘serious assault’, on Sunday night.

The Barton Town FC player, from Cottingham in East Yorkshire, was rushed to hospital where he died on Wednesday with his family at his side, police said.

Mckenzie Dicicco, 22, from Harsley Road, Stockton-on-Tees, has been charged with murder and affray following Mr Hitchcock’s death.

Mr Hitchcock was the first team goalkeeper for Barton Town Football Club, which said in a tribute they were left ‘devastated’ by the news of his death.

His family, who paid tribute to him in a statement released by British Transport Police on Thursday, said: ‘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.

Barton Town FC posted on social media: ‘[We] are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital’

His devastated football club paid a touching tribute, cancelling its weekend games out of respect for the teammate

The goalkeeper leaves behind a wife and his son, the club said

‘His memory will live on in the life of his beautiful baby boy.’

Barton Town FC said all the games scheduled for this weekend will be postponed ‘as a mark of respect.’

‘Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife April, their young son Freddie, his parents, family and friends,’ the club added in their statement.

The club’s chairman, Mark Gregory, told the BBC on Thursday that Mr Hitchcock was a ‘popular but quiet’ member of the first team, who joined the semi-professional club, which plays in the Northern Counties East League, from Bridlington Town at the start of the season.

He told the BBC: ‘The news of James’s death has been hard to take in. It’s horrible.

‘James was a popular member of the club. We are all devastated. We are a very close-knit club.’

Mr Hitchcock’s former club, Bridlington Town FC, also paid tribute to their former player, saying they were in ‘disbelief’ at the news of his death, and that Mr Hitchcock was ‘much loved’.

‘The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time,’ they added.

The Barton Town FC goalkeeper has died from a ‘serious’ head injury

The married father-of-one, from Cottingham in East Yorkshire, died from his injuries in hospital

Tributes have poured in for the player since the announcement

‘Hitch’ will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.’

The Crown Prosecution Service said Dicicco is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

Barton Town’s senior men were due to play Silsden in the Northern Counties East Football League on Saturday.

Hitchcock joined Barton Town in May after being signed by manager Anthony Bowsley from Bridlington Town.

His former team Bridlington Town said: ‘It is with disbelief that the club has been made aware of the death of our much loved ex goalkeeper James Hitchcock in tragic circumstances.

‘The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time.

‘”Hitch” will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.

‘Hitch will be remembered before our home game on Boxing Day. RIP Keeps.’

One comment on his post read: ‘This is horrific news – heart-wrenching and tragic. 

‘Wishing family, friends and all at the club love, strength and courage at these most cruel and difficult of times. #RIPJames – rest well and rest in peace.’

Other football clubs posted to send their condolences.

Barton Town’s rivals Pickering Town said: ‘The club wish to send our deepest condolences to the family of goalkeeper James Hitchcock, who passed away yesterday after tragic circumstances.

‘James was a very good opponent of ours over many years for many clubs and will be sadly missed by many players and supporters.’

Rossington Main FC: ‘Sending our thoughts and condolences to all of James’ family, friends and on behalf of Rossington Main.’

Another added: ‘Heartbreaking news. Everyone at Wakefield AFC sends our deepest condolences to everyone at Barton Town, and to all his friends and family. Rest in peace, James.’

‘Everyone at Eastleigh FC sends their deepest condolences to James’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,’ the Southampton-based team posted.

Magistrates sent the case to Leeds Crown Court where Mr Dicicco will appear tomorrow. He was remanded in custody until then.