HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a footballer in his 30s who died following an alleged assault on a night out.
James Hitchcock, who played as a goalkeeper for club Barton Town FC, passed away “peacefully” in hospital after suffering “serious head injuries”.
The married dad-of-one died from injuries sustained following an incident at York railway station at around 8.45pm on Sunday.
According to British Transport Police, 22-year-old Mckenzie Dicicco has been arrested and charged with murder and affray.
Dicicco is due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court.
Tributes poured in for Hitchcock after Barton Town made the sobering announcement of his death on social media earlier.
All the club’s weekend games have been postponed in tribute to Hitchcock.
A statement from Hitchock’s club 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.”
Club chairman Mark Gregory said the club was “devastated”, adding Mr Hitchcock was a “popular but quiet” member of the first team.
He 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.”
Barton Town’s senior men were due to play Silsden in the Northern Counties East Football League this weekend.
Hitchcock joined Barton Town in May after being signed by manager Anthony Bowsley from Bridlington Town.
His former side led the tributes with a club statement.
It read: “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.”
Barton Town’s NCEL rivals Pickering Town noted: “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.”
Skelmersdale United noted: “We would like to offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James Hitchcock. RIP.”
Hull City Ladies added: “On behalf of everyone at Hull City Ladies Football Club, we are deeply sorry to hear about James Hitchcock.
“Our thoughts are with Barton Town and James’ family and friends.”
