‘He had a heart of gold’ – Friend of tragic Sheffield dad Ricky Collins pays tribute to much-loved pal

Ricky Collins died on Monday after a serious assault at an address in Westthorpe Road in Killamarsh, with shocked residents claiming he was stabbed.

Police have since launched a murder probe but have not yet confirmed the circumstances of the death or released any information about arrests or charges.

The tragedy prompted hundreds of tributes on social media yesterday, with people describing him as an ‘amazing daddy’ to his son and a ‘lovely boy’.

And now, Willy Collins, who was a close friend of Ricky and the son of the late ‘King of Sheffield’ Willy Collins, has paid tribute to a man he said was ‘like a brother’ to him.

He said: “We grew up together and were really close. He will be really sadly missed in Sheffield as a lot of people liked him.

“He was always smiling, a really happy chappy and a good person. It is just tragic what has happened to him.

“Ricky was really well known in Sheffield and had a heart of gold.”

Yesterday, Willy’s mum Kathleen paid tribute to a young man she described as a ‘good friend’ to her husband and sons.

She said: “God help his poor mother this morning, it’s heartbreaking. You was a lovely boy. God give you a good bed in heaven.”

Bernadette Bashforth added Ricky’s death was ‘so sad’ while Kathleen Mcdonagh described it as ‘so, so cruel’ before posting “RIP beautiful angel’.

Derbyshire Police have yet to confirm Mr Collins’ death or the circumstances of the killing but put the following statement out yesterday.

They said: “A road in Killamarsh has been closed following a serious assault last night.

“Police were called to Westthorpe Road at about 10pm last night after reports of a disturbance at a house.

“A man was then found injured near the junction of Westthorpe Road and Upperthorpe Road and was treated by paramedics, before being taken to hospital.

“Officers are still at the scene and part of Westthorpe Road is closed while the investigation enters its early stages.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.