Football world mourning tragic death of much-loved player James Hitchcock, aged 32
The football world is mourning the devastating loss of goalkeeper James Hitchcock, aged 32.
Hitchcock, a married father of one, died in hospital on Wednesday following an alleged incident on a night out over the weekend.
British Transport Police said Hitchcock was taken to hospital in critical condition after he was seriously assaulted at a train station in York just before 9pm on December 15.
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Hitchcock, who played for Barton Town, leaves behind his wife April and young son Freddie.
His family said their “hearts are broken” in a statement.
“We still cannot comprehend the events that have taken place,” it read.
“James was one in a million, the life and soul of the party and did not deserve to be taken from us so soon.
“His memory will live on in the life of his beautiful baby boy.”
Barton Town, a semi-professional team in England’s Northern Counties East League, cancelled all matches this weekend out of respect for Hitchcock.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, and his parents, family and friends” the club added in a statement.
Tributes from the football world quickly flowed in for the much-loved player.
Barton chairman Mark Gregory said: “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.”
Hitchcock joined Barton ahead of this season from Bridlington Town, who also paid tribute.
“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,” they said.
“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.”
A host of other clubs around England also paid tribute.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
