Tributes have been paid to a newly married dad-of-three who died after falling from a rooftop bar in Birmingham city centre.
Richard Ayling, 40, passed away in hospital after suffering serious injuries in a fall from several storeys at Herman and Cooper on Saturday, May 3. He died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, surrounded by his devastated family.
An inquest into the former serviceman’s death was opened this week at Birmingham Coroner’s Court. The coroner described the death as “violent and unnatural” before adjourning proceedings until August 10.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 5, Herman and Cooper said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident, which happened at the venue, the Mirror reports.
The statement read: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Mr Ayling, a maintenance engineer originally from Germany, lived in Newhall near Swadlincote with his wife Amy.
Heartfelt tributes have since poured in for the father-of-three, while a GoFundMe page set up to support his family described his death as a “sudden and devastating loss”.
View 2 ImagesPolice guard the door at the Henman and Cooper bar on Colmore Row, Birmingham.(Image: BPM)
The tribute said: “His loss has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Richard was, above all else, a family man.”
It added that Richard had recently married his “beloved wife Amy” and that the couple were building a future together with their children Ronnie, Ellie and Logan.
“He was a proud and devoted dad, and his love for his family was at the centre of everything he did,” the message continued.
The fundraiser also paid tribute to his years of public service.
“Richard dedicated himself to serving and protecting others.”
As well as spending more than 20 years working in the rail industry, he also served as a part-time firefighter, where he “gave his time and courage to keep his community safe”.
The tribute continued: “He was the kind of person who showed up for others, whether on the job or in everyday life.”
The appeal, organised by Duncan Watson, aims to help support Amy and the children during the difficult months ahead and assist with funeral costs.
Any extra money raised will go towards a lasting memorial in Richard’s honour, such as a plaque or bench.
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At the time of writing, almost £15,000 had been donated through the GoFundMe campaign.
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