The mother of a woman working at a hotel housing asylum seekers who was stabbed to death has posted a moving photograph of them holding hands in hospital.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte, 27, died in hospital on Wednesday with her family by her side, three days after being injured at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall, West Midlands.
Deng Chol Majek, 18, was arrested and charged with attempted murder following the stabbing on Sunday – before the charge was changed to murder after her death.
Early yesterday morning, Miss Whyte’s mother Siobhan Whyte publicly posted an emotional picture on Facebook of her holding hands with her daughter in hospital.
The photo showed her daughter with black fake nails depicting a spider’s web for Halloween. Friends replied with broken heart emojis and one said: ‘Heartbreaking’.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte’s mother Siobhan Whyte publicly posted an emotional picture on Facebook early yesterday morning of her holding hands with her daughter in hospital
Rhiannon Skye Whyte, 27, died in hospital on Wednesday with her family by her side
Floral tributes at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall, where Ms Whyte was stabbed on Sunday
Police outside the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bescot this week, where Ms Whyte worked
Majek arrived in the UK in July with no documents after crossing the English Channel in a small boat before applying for asylum, reported The Sun.
He was allegedly staying at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bescot, where Ms Whyte worked, opposite Walsall Football Club’s Bescot Stadium.
The newspaper also claimed a petty row over a packet of biscuits took place before the stabbing – and all residents have now been moved out given concerns over how hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked during the Southport riots in August.
Miss Whyte is said to have finished her shift at the hotel on Sunday at 11pm, and was intending to catch the 11.21pm train to Walsall, where she lived.
But police were called to the station at 11.25pm by a member of the public who found her lying unconscious.
In a statement issued through British Transport Police, the Whyte family said in a tribute: ‘The most loved daughter, compassionate sister, loving aunty, gracious granddaughter, beautiful niece, wonderful cousin and devoted friend.
Floral tributes at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall, where Ms Whyte was stabbed on Sunday
Police outside the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bescot this week, where Ms Whyte worked
Police vans parked outside Bestcot Stadium station following the stabbing on Sunday night
‘The most selfless person, you were brave, quirky, funny and always there for anyone who needed it.
‘There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more.
‘The weird thing about this devastating loss is that we now need to navigate life without you, but how? If your short life will teach anything, it’s to cherish each moment with those you love as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
‘You are so strong, a fighter and no matter what happens, we as a family will always be united for you. We will love and miss you for now, for always and forever.’
Majek is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 19.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell, senior investigating officer at British Transport Police, said: ‘Our specialist officers are supporting Rhiannon’s family and friends.
‘Please can we ask for their privacy to be respected. Our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time’
‘I would again like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and we are not seeking anyone else in connection.’
Nicholas Coates, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for Crown Prosecution Service West Midlands, said: ‘The prosecution has issued an indictment and Deng Chol Majek will now face counts of murder and possession of an offensive weapon following a stabbing at Bescot Stadium railway station.
‘He will appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court next month for a preparatory hearing.
‘Chol Majek was initially charged with attempted murder but the victim, Rhiannon Whyte, has sadly died. Our thoughts remain with her friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.’
And a spokesman for the hotel said: ‘We are extremely saddened by the loss of a much-valued staff member of the hotel following this tragic event.
‘Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies are with Rhiannon’s family and support is being provided to those affected as much as possible during this difficult time.
‘Out of respect for the family’s privacy and the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.’