The family of a station worker who died in an alleged ‘unprovoked’ attack in east London have paid tribute to ‘the most loving person’ – as the suspect is set to spend Christmas on remand.
Jorge Ortega, 61, died in hospital on Friday night following a serious assault at Ilford railway station on Wednesday evening.
Police, paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene and Mr Ortega, an Elizabeth Line employee, was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.
Mr Ortega’s son paid tribute to his father, who he described as a ‘devoted’ husband, dad and grandfather and a ‘most loving person’.
‘Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting’, he said. ‘Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this.
‘He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art. He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first.
‘He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad. He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe. Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to.
‘We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts.’
Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, from Ilford, was arrested and subsequently charged with Section 18 GBH, Affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place following the attack.
British Transport Police detectives said they would make an application to amend the charges following the victim’s death.
He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court yesterday and was remanded in custody.
He will next appear at Inner London Crown Court on 7 January, 2025
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.’
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: ‘It is a tragedy that our colleague, Jorge Ortega, has died after being assaulted while at work. I can’t begin to imagine what his family and friends are going through, and our thoughts are with them and his colleagues during this terrible time
‘This was an appalling attack whilst our colleague was doing their job helping customers travel around London. Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation and it is unthinkable that someone could lose their life due to unprovoked violence while doing their job.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount, and we are fully supporting the British Transport Police with their investigation’.
In a statement shared on X, a former colleague paid tribute to the customer experiences assistant as ‘the most down to earth and friendly bloke you can imagine.’
They added: ‘[He] never got himself in bother like some staff do, was always chill and a pleasure to work with.’
Maryan Eslamdoust, general secretary of Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA Union), said she was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news.
In a statement on X, she said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a transport worker following a violent incident at Ilford station on 4 December. Our thoughts are with his family.
‘This underscores the urgent need to expand BTP and make offences against transport workers a specific crime. Action is overdue.’
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), also issued a statement sending condolences.
He said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.
‘The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyone’s thoughts at RMT are with them.
Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 699 of 4 December