Family pays emotional tribute to Sheffield man who was unlawfully killed in city centre tragedy

Martin Rigg suffered severe head injuries when he was struck by a tram on West Street in the city centre on the evening of May 22 last year.

The 37-year-old, of Plover Court, Sheffield, died in hospital four days later.

Earlier this week, Sheffield coroner’s court heard serial offender Dane Whiteley ‘lunged’ for Mr Rigg’s pocket before he stepped backwards into the path of the oncoming tram.

As the much-loved steelworker lay dying, Whiteley – who hanged himself last summer while in prison for an unrelated crime – took £10 from Mr Rigg’s pocket.

Coroner Robert Forest concluded that Mr Rigg was unlawfully killed.

Mr Rigg’s family issued a heartfelt statement to The Star after the ruling was given.

It said: “Martin’s family are pleased with the coroner’s verdict and it does help towards bringing closure for the family.

“We would like to offer heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to Martin’s aid on the night of the incident, to the witnesses and people who gave statements, to the staff of the critical care unit at the Northern General Hospital and to Michael Fogg, Lisa Scott and staff for their care and aftercare of Martin and our family.

“We would also like to offer sympathy to the tram driver after what must have been a traumatic ordeal.

“It has been a devastating loss for our family.

“Martin was a loving son, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

“The pain of his passing will never go away but Martin is always in our thoughts and will forever be in our hearts.

“RIP Martin.”

Tributes have also been paid to Mr Rigg on social media.

Commenting on Facebook, Bev Cheryl Smith said: “RIP Martin. You will be truly missed by family and friends.” She added that he was a ‘really good man’.

Debra Tait said: “So sad and tragic.”

During the inquest, it emerged Mr Rigg’s kidneys were taken for organ donation after his death – helping to save two lives.