Railway worker, 61, dies after serious assault as family pays tribute to ‘kindest soul’ & man, 28, charged
A RAILWAY worker has died after a serious assault at an east London station as his heartbroken family pays tribute.
Jorge Ortega has been named as the victim of a brutal attack at Ilford railway station on Wednesday, at around 8.49pm.
The 61-year-old died on Friday evening after being taken to hospital in critical condition.
His devastated family have paid tribute to him in a statement released today by Mr Ortega’s son.
It read: “Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting.
“Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this. He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art.
“He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first.
“He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad. He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe.
“Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to.
“We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts.”
Cops arrested Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, of Kingston Road, in Ilford on Thursday morning.
He has been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm, Affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place in connection with the incident.
Jamgbadi remains in custody and is set to appear at Inner London Crown Court on January 7 2025.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Paul Attwell, said: “This was a horrific and tragic incident which has resulted in a man losing his life.
“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to Jorge’s family.
“Please can I ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also paid tribute to the rail worker.
In a statement on X, the PM wrote: “Absolutely tragic news.
“Nobody should have to face any violence at work — and certainly not something as shocking as this.
“My thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.”
Meanwhile the RMT union confirmed Jorge was one of its members and worked as a customer experience assistant for MTREL, which runs the Elizabeth Line.
General secretary Mick Lynch said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.
“The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyone’s thoughts at RMT are with them.”
MTREL said the man had been a “dedicated member of the railway community for 24 years”.
Mike Bagshaw, managing director of the transport operator said: “This is an unimaginable loss, and my heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this profoundly difficult time.
“He was a valued member of our team, serving the railway community with dedication and kindness for more than two decades.
“We are devastated that such a senseless act of violence has taken the life of one of our colleagues.
“He has lost his life simply for carrying out his job, everyone has the right to feel safe and protected at work and this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unacceptable abuse faced by rail colleagues.”