David Richards, a father-of-three described as the family’s “glue,” died after being struck on the head with a vodka bottle during a stag do in Prague, according to an inquest. The 31-year-old had just returned from a holiday with his partner Jola Simms and their three children before heading to the Czech capital with friends.
An inquest in Pontypridd revealed that the exact circumstances of Mr Richards’ death remain unclear, but a full investigation is underway. Known as Dai, Mr Richards was reportedly hit on the head with the bottle on the first night of the trip and succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Beverley Morgan, the coroner’s officer, stated, “Mr Richards lived with his partner and children. On September 19, he travelled to Prague with friends for a stag do. That evening, an incident occurred in a street where Mr Richards was hit on the head with a bottle.” The inquest heard that Mr Richards, from Mountain Ash, South Wales, suffered brain trauma, swelling, and haemorrhaging.
Deadly Incident in Prague, Czech Republic: A British Tourist Killed by Vodka Bottle Attack During Night Out
A tragic altercation between two groups of tourists in the heart of Prague ended in the death of a British man, David Richards, aged 31. The incident occurred late… pic.twitter.com/GpMVQAXF6M
— beernews24 (@beernews24) September 25, 2024
Coroner Patricia Morgan noted there was reason to suspect his death was “violent or unnatural” and adjourned the inquest for further investigation. Jola Simms, his partner, expressed her grief, saying their world had been “crushed” by the loss of her “soul mate.” On Facebook, she wrote, “No amount of time behind bars will ever be enough for him, taking away my soul mate and our precious baby’s daddy.”
The couple had three children: Aurora, four, Bear, two, and one-year-old Vienna. The family described Mr Richards as an “amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend” who was crucial to their lives.
Family and friends have supported Jola and the children, setting up a fundraiser to alleviate some of the financial pressure during this difficult time. Jola’s sister, Jodie, said, “Jola, you have three beautiful children with unique characters and perfect smiles. I hope my love and support can help you through this nightmare.” The fundraiser aimed to raise £2,000 but exceeded £8,500 in three days.
HERALD NEWS UPDATE
A father-of-three from Rhondda Cynon Taf tragically died after being attacked with a vodka bottle while on a stag do in Prague. David ‘Dai’ Richards,…https://t.co/DaEeZy4wwd#wales #heraldwales #herald #welshnews #news pic.twitter.com/7tuyFmUOxe— Herald.Wales (@HeraldWales) September 25, 2024
Mr Richards left his Mountain Ash home at 5 am on Friday for what was meant to be a fun weekend but was attacked at 10 pm. He was placed on life support but died in hospital on September 21. Local media in Prague reported that a 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm.
The family said Mr Richards was struck in a “blind attack,” resulting in blunt force trauma to the back of his head. They were informed of his critical condition at 10 pm that night and rushed to Prague, hoping he would recover. However, life support was withdrawn on Saturday afternoon.
A French passer-by provided first aid at the scene, but the family felt local authorities were unhelpful. They described their experience in Prague as “awful” and said they received little assistance. Some family members remain in Prague, awaiting the death certificate.
Paying tribute, the family said, “David had the heart of a lion and was extremely family-orientated. He was the fun one, always bringing energy. He was the glue to the family. There isn’t a bad word to be said about him. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming but comforting.”
Prague Morning reported that police spokesman Jan Daněk said the men were part of separate groups who had been talking before an argument erupted. One man struck Mr Richards with a vodka bottle, causing him to collapse and later die in the hospital. The 26-year-old faces charges of grievous bodily harm and disorderly conduct and could be sentenced to up to 16 years in prison.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Yahoo News reports on the tragic death of British dad David ‘Dai’ Richards, 31, allegedly killed in Prague by a vodka bottle attack during a stag do.(read more)
- Metro reports on the tragic death of David ‘Dai’ Richards, 31, hit over the head with a vodka bottle in Prague, highlighting a blind attack with no clear motive, leaving a heartbroken family.(read more)
- Pravda.sk reports on a British man killed in Prague after being struck by a vodka bottle during a stag do, highlighting the tragic consequences of excessive celebration and alcohol.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was David Richards?
David Richards was a 31-year-old father-of-three from Mountain Ash, South Wales, described as the family’s ‘glue.’
How did David Richards die?
David Richards died after being struck on the head with a vodka bottle during a stag do in Prague.
What happened to the person who attacked David Richards?
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm and disorderly conduct.
What did David Richards’ partner say about his death?
Jola Simms expressed her grief, saying their world had been ‘crushed’ by the loss of her ‘soul mate.’
How much did the fundraiser for David Richards’ family raise?
The fundraiser aimed to raise £2,000 but exceeded £8,500 in three days.