The family of a man who died following an incident in a Leicester park have paid tribute to a “loving father, brother and grandfather”.
James McKeown, known to many as Jimmy or “Spider”, was found unconscious in Beaumont Leys Park at around 6.20pm on Monday (6 April). The 62-year-old was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
In a statement issued today, his family described the devastating impact of his death.
A spokesperson said: “To say that the events of Monday evening have changed our lives forever is an understatement. We have lost a loving father, brother, partner and grandfather, our lives will never be the same again.
“Jimmy has lived locally for nearly 20 years and was well known in the community, affectionately known to many as Spider.
“We would ask that people respect our privacy and give us the time to come to terms with what has happened.”
A man has now been charged in connection with the incident.
Joshua Moore, 33, of Fowler Close, Beaumont Leys, has been charged with manslaughter and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday 8 April).
The charge relates to the death of Mr McKeown, who was discovered in the park during the evening before later dying in hospital.
Detectives from the East Midlands Murder Investigation Team have thanked the local community for their co-operation while enquiries were carried out in the area. A cordon that had been in place within the park has since been lifted.
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames said: “This is an extremely difficult time for Jimmy’s family and specialist officers continue to support them.
“If you have any information about the incident, or the circumstances leading up to it, and have not yet spoken with officers, we would ask that you get in touch.”
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or via the Leicestershire Police website, quoting incident 572 of 6 April.
