The sister of a woman who was allegedly stabbed to death by an asylum seeker staying at the hotel where she worked has revealed their family found out about the attack through a friend.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte, 27, died in hospital three days after she was knifed at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall following a shift on October 20.
Deng Chol Majek, 18, who is believed to be a Sudanese who crossed the Channel in a small boat, has since been charged with her murder.
It is understood a row over a packet of biscuits took place at the hotel just before the attack, The Sun has reported.
Following Rhiannon’s death, her sister Alexandra Whyte, 29, said her family is taking it ‘minute by minute’ as the impact of losing her has been ‘catastrophic’.
The 27-year-old was also was the mother to a five-year-old son who is ‘heartbroken’ along with her nieces and nephews.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte, 27, (pictured) died following the stabbing at Bescot Stadium station on October 20
Floral tributes at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall, where Ms Whyte was killed
Deng Cholmajek was arrested and subsequently charged following the attack at the station (pictured)
She said her sister, who worked at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bescot, enjoyed spending time with the asylum seekers who stayed there.
Alexandra said according to The Guardian: ‘A lot of them opened up to her about their story of how they came to the UK .
‘She always saw the good in everyone, and with her working at the hotel, it meant that she was making a positive difference to people in need.’
Alexandra explained her family first found out about the attack from a friend who Rhiannon was on the phone to at the time.
Alarmed by what they heard, the friend called the emergency services who rushed to the scene.
Alexandra thanked the friend for ‘getting Rhiannon the help she needed’ and the family was able to spend time with her in hospital before she died.
Police vans were parked outside Bestcot Stadium station shortly after the fatal incident
An officer patrolled the area after police were called to the scene of the stabbing on Sunday
Police near to the scene following the stabbing at Bescot Stadium railway station
Mourners have left flowers at the place where the victim was stabbed and later died in hospital
It is understood Rhiannon finished her shift at 11pm on Sunday, October 20 and was aiming to get the 11.21pm train home to Walsall.
However, she was found lying unconscious by a member of the public at around 11.35pm at Bescot Stadium station.
Rhiannon had suffered knife injuries and was rushed to hospital – but sadly died of her injuries the following Wednesday.
Mourners left floral tributes at the scene where the 27-year-old was attacked.
Majek has been remanded in custody and will next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 19.
Nicholas Coates, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS West Midlands, said last week: ‘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.’