James Hitchcock, known as 'Hitchy', was a goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town who died in December 2024 after a single punch to the head at York Railway Station. The 32-year-old, a former Leeds United academy player, was on a day out with friends when the unprovoked attack occurred. His death devastated his family, including his widow April and their two-year-old son Freddie, and left the tight-knit football club in mourning.
Anthony Bowsley, Barton Town's manager, recalled James' last game, a 1-1 draw with Bottesford Town, where he made a fine save. Mckenzie Dicicco, then 22, was jailed for six years and eight months in July 2025 for manslaughter. James' memory lives on at Barton Town, whose ground is near the Humber Bridge.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing