An Elizabeth line worker who died after being assaulted at Ilford station has been named and pictured.
Jorge Ortega was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the incident on Wednesday evening (December 4). He died there two days later.
It has since been confirmed that the 61-year-old was working as a customer experience assistant for MTREL, a train operator which runs Elizabeth line services, at the time of the assault.
His family have now paid tribute to a man they described as a much-loved father, grandfather and husband.
"Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting,” his son said.
“He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first.”
He added that Mr Ortega was devoted to his wife, and “loved her beyond what words can describe”.
The rail worker’s son described his father as “an example of what a great man should be like”.
“We can only hope to be like him,” he added. “Dad is and will always be in our hearts."
Ayodele Jamgbadi, of Kingston Road in Ilford, has been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place in connection with the incident.
The 28-year-old has been remanded and is now due to appear at Inner London Crown Court on January 7 next year.
Rail union RMT has said that Mr Ortega was one of its members, adding that it was “deeply saddened” by his death in a post on social media.
Reacting to the news, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that there is “no place for such violence anywhere in our city”.
He added: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Jorge Ortega - who went to work on Wednesday to help Londoners and visitors to our capital, but tragically never got to go home.”
Devastating news. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Jorge Ortega - who went to work on Wednesday to help Londoners and visitors to our capital, but tragically never got to go home. There is no place for such violence anywhere in our city. https://t.co/6cwD9ldtV5
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 7, 2024
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Paul Attwell, said: “This was a horrific and tragic incident which has resulted in a man losing his life.
“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to Jorge’s family. Please can I ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police by calling the force on 0800 405040 or texting officers on 61016, quoting reference 699 of 4 December.
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