Walsall: Man charged after woman dies in train station stabbing as family pay tribute to 'brave' daughter

Rhiannon Skye Whyte, 27, was discovered with stab wounds at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall at 11.25pm on Sunday night October 20.

She was taken to hospital where she sadly died with her family by her side three days later on Wednesday.

Deng Cholmajek, 18, was arrested and originally charged with attempted murder following the attack near Walsall FC's Poundland Bescot Stadium.

British Transport Police say detectives will now make an application to amend the indictment to "reflect Rhiannon’s death". The teenager, who lives on the same road as the station, was remanded in custody and will appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 19.

Rhiannon's devastated family has now released a tribute to a "brave and funny" woman who was "there for anyone."

They said: “The most loved daughter, compassionate sister, loving aunty, gracious granddaughter, beautiful niece, wonderful cousin and devoted friend. The most selfless person you were brave, quirky, funny, and always there for anyone who needed it.

"There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more. The weird thing about this devastating loss is that we now need to navigate life without you, but how?

"If your short life will teach anything it's to cherish each moment with those you love as tomorrow is never guaranteed. You are so strong, a fighter and no matter what happens, we as a family will always be united for you.

"We will love and miss you for now for always and forever."

Photos show investigators working at the scene, with officers searching the Bescot Railway Station, before also investigating the nearby Park Inn by Radisson hotel.

The Park Inn hotel has refused to comment.

Police statement

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell, of British Transport Police, said: “Our specialist officers are supporting Rhiannon’s family and friends.

"Please can we ask for their privacy to be respected. Our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time. I would again like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and we are not seeking anyone else in connection.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said previously: "We were called at 11.28pm last night (20/10) to reports of an assault at Bescot Stadium Railway Station, Walsall.

"An ambulance, paramedic officer, MERIT trauma team and HART paramedics attended. The team arrived to find a woman in a serious condition.

"She received trauma care on scene before being conveyed on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care." Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 11 of October 21.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.