‘Gentle giant’ dies after spending months in coma
AMAN described as a ‘gentle giant’ by his family has died after spending months in hospital in a coma following an attack last summer.
Stephen Rimmer, 42, of Rochdale, admitted himself to Royal Oldham Hospital on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 the week after he was attacked by an unknown offender.
He suffered serious facial injuries and then suffered a cardiac arrest, with medics placing him into an induced coma.
Stephen sadly never woke up and died in hospital on Saturday, March 7, 2020.
Greater Manchester Police have launched a murder investigation after a post-mortem examination concluded there were links between the injuries he received in the assault and his death.
It is understood the attack took place near to
Stephen’s home address on Culvert Street, in Rochdale.
A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of assault in August 2019 in connection with the incident, but have both been released under investigation.
Stephen’s family have since released a tribute to him.
A statement said: “Stephen was a caring son and brother, and a wonderful stepfather to Kimberley. He was also very popular with friends.
“Stephen was loving and kind, he touched the hearts of many. He was a gentle giant who lived his life to the full.
“His death has left us utterly devastated. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone during this awful time for their support.”
GMP are appealing for anyone with further information or any witnesses to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I would like to pay tribute to Stephen’s family who’ve experienced such devastating trauma since the awful assault last August, which has sadly proved fatal. Our thoughts remain with them at this terrible time.
“We owe it to Stephen and to his loved ones to try and find who committed this brutal act so that we can bring them to justice.
“We appreciate there are limited details at this stage, but we are working with the theory that Stephen was assaulted at, or close to, his home address on Culvert Street in Rochdale.
“Anyone who has any recollection of the circumstances surrounding this incident should do the right thing and come forward.
“If you believe you may also have been in the area at that time, I urge you to do what you can to think back and provide any information that could aid our enquiries. Even the smallest piece of information in cases like this can make a big difference.”
Anyone with any information should contact police online using the GMP page on the Major Incident Public Portal (https://mipp.police.uk) or by phone on 0161 856 6777 quoting Operation Eastleigh.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.