Stourbridge News:

A FUND set up to raise money for the grieving family of Black Country footballer Ryan Passey who was stabbed to death last weekend at a Stourbridge nightspot has topped its target in just two days.

Ryan, aged 24, from Stockwell Avenue, Quarry Bank, lost his life after being attacked with a knife at Chicago’s in the early hours of Sunday (August 6).

The Ryemarket bar has remained closed and cordoned off since the tragedy and the area outside has been turned into a shrine to the popular Wren’s Nest FC midfielder and former Stourbridge FC youth team player, whose sudden death has left a community devastated.

Stourbridge News:

Family friend Jason Connon started a JustGiving page to raise £2,000 for Ryan’s heartbroken relatives - to give to charities of their choice in memory of the much-loved sports fan, described as "one of the kindest, loving, genuine and happiest of people you could ever wish to meet”.

Mr Cannon said Ryan, a self-employed window cleaner, "loved and lived life for his family and his friends” and added: "No words can express the kind of person Ryan was to many of us, and the impact he had on those around him.”

He said he wanted to set up the JustGiving page so people could show their support - and just 48 hours later it has already topped its target.

But anyone still wishing to make a donation can do so online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ryanpassey.

Meanwhile - a one-minute silence will be held for Ryan outside Chicago’s on Sunday (August 13) at midday.

Stourbridge News:

A host of borough football clubs were also set to pay tribute to the talented footballer this weekend - with Stourbridge FC set to hold a one-minute silence at 3pm on Sunday, ahead of their first league game of the season against Matlock.