‘Devoted’ Grandfather, 66, Dies in Hospital After He Was Punched Outside of a Pub Days Before Christmas By Bailey Richards

The life of a beloved father and grandfather was “tragically cut short” after he was assaulted outside of a bar, his family says.

David “Dave” Darke died on Saturday, Dec. 27, nearly a week after he was punched outside of The Crown Inn, a pub in the English village of Appleby Magna, according to Leicestershire Police. He sustained a “serious head injury” in the attack, which occurred just before 9:45 p.m. local time six days earlier, on Dec. 21.

Darke was 66 when he died at Queen’s Medical Centre, a hospital in Nottingham, on Dec. 27, according to police.

A day later, his family celebrated the life of the “devoted family man” in an emotional statement, as police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal assault.

“Dave was a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys,” the family said in a statement released via Leicestershire Police. “He was a much-loved brother and a dear friend. Dave will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls.”

Darke’s family also described him as “a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all.”

“He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking,” the family said. “His life was tragically cut short, and he’s now reunited with his loving, caring parents. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”

An investigation into the Dec. 21 pub assault is still underway, police said.

Following the attack, an unidentified 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and released on bail, according to Leicestershire Police. He was later “re-arrested” on suspicion of murder on Dec. 27, and remains in police custody.

Kevin Hames — a detective inspector with East Midlands Special Operations Unit, which is leading the investigation — shared a glimpse into what authorities have gathered so far, and urged any remaining eyewitnesses to come forward.

“The initial investigation resulted in us identifying several witnesses and examining CCTV from the area. Those enquiries will continue, and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives,” Hames said. “It is an extremely difficult time for Mr. Darke’s family, and specialist officers are supporting them.”

“We would still encourage anyone who was in the Church Street [area] last Sunday evening and hasn’t yet spoken with officers to get in touch,” added the detective inspector. “We need to speak to as many people as possible who can help us piece together what happened that evening.”

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The fatal attack was an unusual occurrence in the “quiet” and “nice” village of Appleby Magna, according to residents who spoke with Leicestershire Live.

Paul Sambrook, who has lived in the village for five years, described the incident as “totally out of the blue.”

“You never feel any atmosphere at all in either of the pubs in the village,” he said. “It’s a friendly, cordial drinking establishment.”

Another resident who lives near the pub, Millie Newall, called the assault “quite scary.” Said Newall: “It’s a quiet village and it’s strange for something like this to happen here.”

“I’ve been living here for four years, and it’s a nice village. And The Crown is a nice pub,” another villager, who chose to remain anonymous, told the local outlet. “It’s just not a village where you get any trouble at all. It’s very sad.”