The killer of Jack Kirmond, the brother of former Wakefield, Huddersfield and Featherstone man Danny Kirmond, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
There, 38-year-old Lee Robinson of Fryston Road in Castleford, was charged with murder, with the case now being sent to the Crown Court with Robinson remanded in custody awaiting trial.
Family and friends were gathered at the Sharlston Rovers Rugby Club to celebrate Jack’s and fiancee Casey Chalkley’s engagement after Jack proposed earlier this year.
A family friend told the Daily Mail: “Jack was dead the second he hit the floor from the punch, but because he was an organ donor he was kept on a life support machine until they could sort out what he could give and to who.
“He was hit once from behind and fell instantly.
“It was another guest who attacked him, but it seems to have been unprovoked.
“We were at the club to celebrate Jack and Casey’s future together, but now we are waiting for his funeral.”
Incredibly, though, Jack is on the organ donor list and the Daily Mail has revealed that nine people have already been saved by the kindness of Jack even after his death.
In a statement, his family said: “A soldier who served his country and a protector of everyone who knew him, not just in his job but in his life.
“Jack had been through darkness but came into light and injected that light into everyone who knew him.
“And the noise that emanated from Jack – his infectious laugh could be heard from miles around! He will leave a hole in the lives of everyone in knew him.”
Det Chief Insp Sharron Kaye, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: ‘We are continuing to support Jack’s family at this very sad time and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, which is believed to have occurred around midnight on Sunday.’
The force said that information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
