Elizabeth line railway worker who died after attack is named
british traffic policeThe family of an Elizabeth line worker who died after being attacked at London’s East Station say he was the “most caring man”.
Jorge Ortega, 61, was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after British Transport Police (BTP) officers were called to reports of a serious assault at around 20:50 GMT on Wednesday. . He died on Friday.
At a family tribute, Mr Ortega was described as “the kindest soul you could ever have the pleasure of meeting”.
Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, of Kingston Road, Ilford, has been charged with grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident.
“Amazing family man”
The eulogy added: “Everyone who has met our father or worked with him over the years will tell you this.
“He was an amazing family man who always put others first. He loved his grandchildren and in turn, they adored our dad.
“He was completely devoted to our mum and loved her beyond words.
“We have been together for more than 38 years and he is a role model for what a great man should be and a role model that we highly respect.
“We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and always will be in our hearts.”
GoogleBTP said it would apply to amend the indictment to reflect Mr Ortega’s death.
The RMT union said Ortega, one of its members, worked as a customer experience assistant at MTREL, which operates the Elizabeth Line.
General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that one of our members has been killed in an attack while at work.
“The whole union sends our condolences to their families, friends and colleagues at this terrible time and the thoughts of everyone at the RMT are with them.
“We will monitor the legal proceedings closely and will comment further in due course.”
Decades of service
MTREL said Mr Ortega “has been a loyal member of the rail community for 24 years”.
Mike Bagshaw, managing director of the transport operator, said: “This is an unimaginable loss and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.”
“He is a valued member of our team and has served the rail community with dedication and kindness for more than two decades.
“We are devastated that this senseless act of violence has claimed the life of one of our colleagues.
“He lost his life simply doing his job, everyone has the right to feel safe and protected at work and this tragic incident is a clear reminder of the unacceptable abuse that rail colleagues face.”
“Incredible”
London Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: “This was a shocking attack while our colleagues were helping customers get around London.
“Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation and it is difficult to imagine someone losing their life as a result of unprovoked violence at work.
“The safety and welfare of our colleagues is of paramount importance and we fully support British Transport Police’s investigation.”
DCI Paul Attwell said specialist family liaison officers were providing support to the victim’s family.
He said: “This was a horrific and tragic incident in which a man lost his life.
“I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident.”
Mr Giambadi appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody.
He was also charged with affray and possessing a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place.
He is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court on January 7.
