Martin Chadburn: Family pays tribute to veteran who died after city centre attack in Hull
The family of a veteran who died after being attacked in Hull city centre have paid tribute to him, saying he was “one of life’s truly great characters”.
Martin Chadburn, 53, was on a night out when he was attacked in the early hours of Sunday (Apr 19).
He was taken to hospital with a life-threatening head injury. Despite the efforts of medics, he died on Tuesday morning (Apr 21).
Police have launched a murder investigation. Three women, aged 20, 20 and 21, and two men, 27 and 34, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
A huge number of people paid tribute to Mr Chadburn when he was named by police as being the victim of the attack, including the CEO of charity Hull4Heroes where he worked.
And now his family have released their own heartfelt tribute, revealing his love for the outdoors and the bond with his twin sister Hayley.
The statement, which was released via Humberside Police, said: ““Our dearest brother Martin Chadburn, died in hospital surrounded by his loving family.
“Martin was a much-loved son, brother, twin, uncle, friend and colleague, and his sudden passing has left an immeasurable loss in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
“He was a devoted family man, deeply loved by his twin sister Hayley, brother Darren and sister Sharon, and held forever in the hearts of his wider family and many friends.
“As a twin, Martin shared a unique and unbreakable bond with Hayley, a connection of love and understanding that will endure always. He is now reunited with our beloved father Roy, mother Janet and nephew Stefan.
“Martin was truly one of life’s great characters - warm, loyal, funny and full of spirit. He was the life and soul of any gathering and had a rare gift for making people feel welcome.
“Martin had a large circle of friends, many of whom had known him since childhood and were like family to him. He was loved not only here at home, but by friends across the world.
“As a young man, Martin joined the British Army alongside close friends and served his country with pride, including active service overseas.
“After leaving the Army, his commitment to others never faded. He gave so much of his time to supporting armed forces veterans and in recent years, worked full-time for Hull for Heroes Charity as Development Officer.
“Martin lived life fully and fearlessly. In his spare time, he loved nothing more than taking to the open road in his campervan, hiking, climbing mountains, wild camping and embracing the freedom and beauty of the outdoors.
“His adventurous spirit took him far beyond these shores too, and he was proud to have recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest with others.
“Martin worked hard, laughed loudly, loved deeply and lived a full and meaningful life. He was suddenly taken from us far too soon, and his loss is both tragic and profound.
“Martin will be missed beyond words and remembered always with great love, pride and affection.
“We ask that the police are given the time and space needed to investigate so justice can take its right and proper course. We believe that is what Martin would have wanted.”
Ayone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 100 of April 19, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.