A non-league goalkeeper has tragically died after sustaining a serious head injury while on a night out.
Married father-of-one James Hitchcock was attacked and later passed away from his wounds in hospital following an incident at the Cottingham Railway Station in East Yorkshire on Sunday. Hitchcock was a popular goalkeeper for Barton Town FC who play in the NCEL Premier Division in Lincolnshire. Chairman Mark Gregory said the club was “devastated”, adding Hitchcock was a “popular but quiet” member of the first team.
A club statement read: “Barton Town FC are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury our first team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, his parents, family and friends. All the club’s games scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.”
A number of other clubs paid tribute. Scarborough Athletic FC said: “We saddened to hear the news that former Scarborough Athletic goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Barton Town FC at this time.” Meanwhile, Armthorpe Welfare FC wrote: “Armthorpe Welfare FC are saddened to hear of the passing of @bartontown.fc goalkeeper James Hitchcock. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at the club and James’ family.”
Mckenzie Dicicco, 22, of Harsley Road, Stockton-on-Tees, has been charged with murder and affray and was due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court later, according to British Transport Police (BTP). Officers were called to the station at about 20:45 GMT on Sunday after the victim, aged in his 30s, suffered serious head injuries, BTP said.