Football goalkeeper James Hitchcock died in hospital (Image: Barton Town FC)
A non-league goalkeeper has died following an alleged assault while on a night out in York. Barton Town say they are ‘devastated’ that James Hitchcock died in hospital after suffering a serious head injury.
Hitchcock died on Wednesday afternoon after an incident at York’s railway station on Sunday evening. British Transport Police say that officers were called at around 20:45 GMT after a man suffered serious head injuries.
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 on Wednesday.
“Barton Town are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our first team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital,” a club statement read.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, his 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.”
Hitchcock had joined Barton Town from Bridlington Town at the start of the season. He has been described as a “popular” member of the first team.
Club 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.”
Gregory, who described Hitchcock as a “very good goalkeeper” personally reached out to players and staff to inform them of their colleague’s death on Wednesday evening.
Barton Town manager Anthony Bowsley played with Hitchcock at Bridlington before they reunited at their current club.
James Hitchcock died following an incident at York Station (Image: Google)
Bowsley said: “James was a lovely kid. Just a genuine, all round good guy. He is irreplaceable both as a friend and a player. On behalf of the club, I would like to extend my condolences to James’s family and friends.”
Hitchcock was 28 and was married and leaves behind a young son. Many of Barton’s rivals have sent tributes. “Terrible news, our thoughts and prayers are with James’s family and everyone associated with Barton during this very difficult time,” wrote Frickley Athletic.
Horbury Town responded: “Heartbreaking news. From all at the club, our sincere condolences to everyone involved at Barton, his family and his friends.”
Maltby Main said: “Our thoughts are with you and his family. It’s not easy to know what to say but please pass on to his wife and child that many people and football clubs are responding [to say] how sad this is. Be strong for his family and do him proud.”