Ryan Passey murder: Devastated father pays tribute to loving son stabbed at Stourbridge's Chicago's nightclub
The devastated father of Ryan Passey today paid tribute to his 'loving' son, as police questioned three teenagers on suspicion of his murder.
Ryan, 24, was attacked at Chicago's on the Rye Market in Stourbridge at around 1am on Sunday and died later in hospital.
It was one of four murders in the West Midlands over the weekend. A woman was killed by her husband who then took his own life in Oldbury, police said.
In Birmingham, a man was stabbed to death in Tenby Road, Moseley, at just after 10.50pm yesterday. And in Kingshurt, Solihull, a man died after being stabbed in the head and neck on Sunday morning.
Ryan had played for Team Dudley and Stourbridge Football Club's youth side.
Today his father Ada Passey told the Express & Star: "He was such a loving lad. He lived for his football and was a friend to everyone.
"We're absolutely devastated."
Meanwhile, Thorns Community College paid its own tribute to the former student, of Stockwell Avenue in Quarry Bank.
A statement on its Facebook page said: "We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ryan Passey who sadly lost his life in a horrific incident.
"Many of his former teachers remember him as a wonderful young man and he made fantastic contributions to the school football team.
"He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."
Facebook user Jeremy Mobberley said: "Couldn't believe when I read what had happened.
"Ryan has been cleaning our windows every month for the past 5 or 6 years and a nicer, friendly, more polite lad you couldn't wish to meet - he almost felt part of the family.
"Heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP Ryan."
Three 19-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
One handed himself in to West Bromwich police station yesterday afternoon, while two others were arrested at homes in Dudley later that evening.
One was arrested at 3pm having handed himself in to West Bromwich Police station, while the others were detained later that evening from separate home addresses in Dudley.
Detective Chief Inspector Ed Foster, said: “We’ve made quick progress in this investigation and three suspects are now in police custody for questioning over the murder.
“We’ve already spoken to many people who were at the bar at the time Mr Passey was attacked – around 1am – but we still need more witnesses to come forward.
“If you saw what happened or have any information that could help then enquiry then please call us. The information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial to the enquiry.”
A statement issued by Chicago’s said: “We’re devastated by the events of Saturday night, when a customer tragically lost their life and would like to extend our sincere condolences to family and friends at this very sad time.
“We’re cooperating fully with the police investigation.”
His cousin Julie Thornton said in a Facebook post: “I remember our Ryan as a lovely lad and this did not deserve to happen.”
Meanwhile Team Dudley said: “Everyone at Team Dudley is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Ryan Passey.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time. R.I.P. Ryan.”
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team on the 101 number (ext 963 3202) quoting log 149 of 6 August.
