A father-of-three who was described as “the glue of the family” died after being allegedly hit with a vodka bottle during a stag party in Prague.
David ‘Dai’ Richards, 31, from Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, died in the Czech capital last Saturday.
The night before, he had allegedly been hit in the back of the head in a “blind attack” during the first night of a stag weekend abroad, according to his family.
The provisional cause of Mr Richards’ death has been listed as blunt force trauma, the grieving family have said.
The passionate footballer and his partner Jola Simms have three children: Aurora, four, Bear, two, and Vienna, one.
The avid footballer was a father of three children, four-year-old Aurora, two-year-old Bear, and one-year-old Vienna, with his partner Jola Simms (pictured: the young family)
In a touching tribute to the father-of-three, the heartbroken family described him as “an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother and friend” who was the “glue of the family”.
Mr Richards’ partner Miss Simms, his sister-in-law Tammy Sheehan and his cousin Gemma Thomas have all spoken publicly on behalf of the family.
The father-of-three had just returned to Wales from a family holiday the day before heading off to Prague to spend the stag weekend with a close friend.
‘He left the house at 5am and it was 10pm that night our time when Gemma and Jola received a phone call from Nathan (Mr Richards’ friend) to say that there had been an incident with David and that the whole family needed to get on a flight as soon as possible as he was in a critical condition.’
When the family landed in the Czech Republic they hoped the doting father’s condition would improve, but his life support machines were turned off on Saturday afternoon.
Explaining what they believe they know so far, they said: ‘It wasn’t a fight like I think some people think, it was a blind attack.
“He actually died from the attack, due to blunt force trauma. David was talking to neighbors on the street when he was hit in the back of the head.”
According to the grieving family, a French passerby provided first aid at the scene.
They said their ordeal has been compounded by the incident that occurred abroad.
Father-of-three David Richards (pictured right), who was described as “the glue of the family”, died after allegedly being hit with a vodka bottle at a stag party in Prague.
The family felt that local authorities in the Czech Republic were not as helpful as they had hoped.
“What we found as a family was that they were very abrupt and direct and not very helpful. It didn’t seem like a nice place to visit,” the family said.
“We had a horrible experience, even when we were asking for help they looked at us with a look of incomprehension.”
Some members of Mr Richards’ family remain in Prague while awaiting the death certificate.
In an emotional tribute, the family said: “We would describe David as someone with the heart of a lion. He was a very family-oriented person.”
“He was the most fun, always bringing energy. We describe him as the glue of the family.
“He was an absolutely wonderful father, partner, son, brother and friend. There is nothing bad to say about him.”
A fundraising page has been set up to help his partner, Miss Sims, who was left with three young children following his death.
“It’s absolutely horrible. Jola is a single mother of three and will be in a difficult financial situation, so we just wanted to help.
“The outpouring of love has been overwhelming, but it’s heartwarming to see how loved he was.”
His local football club released a heartfelt statement extending their “deepest condolences” to Mr Richards’ family and friends.
His family has claimed he was beaten in a “blind attack.” Local Czech media later reported that a 26-year-old man has been arrested over the incident.
They continued: “The world has lost a good man – a father, a son and a brother. It is a loss for us all, but the pain and grief you as a family must feel is the deepest, most poignant and most personal.
‘As a mark of respect to all involved, our match on Saturday has been postponed. Dai touched the lives of many people involved in our club and we are devastated by this terrible loss.
“As a club, we are here to give you all the support you need and we are thinking of you at this sad time. Rest in peace, Dai.”
Local media In the Czech Republic, a 26-year-old man has been arrested and faces charges of grievous bodily harm and disturbing the peace.
Czech police spokesman Jan Daněk said an argument between two groups broke out before the incident, Prague Morning reported.
MailOnline has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.
