A 33-year-old mother of six has died in hospital, two days after suffering a violent assault in Huddersfield. A man has now been charged with her murder.
Attack on Fernside Avenue
Lisa Smith, from Almondbury in West Yorkshire, sustained what police described as 'very serious' head injuries during an incident in the early hours of Friday morning. Officers were called to an address on Fernside Avenue in Huddersfield just before 12:30am on December 19th.
Emergency services found Lisa with grave injuries. She was rushed to hospital, where medical teams fought to save her life. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries around 65 hours later, passing away at 17:28 on Sunday, December 21st, 2025.
Charge upgraded to murder
A 34-year-old man, Gareth Brook, who also lives on Fernside Avenue, was arrested following the attack. He was initially charged with wounding with intent and remanded in custody on Saturday.
Following Lisa's death in hospital, the charge against Brook has now been upgraded to murder. He is next scheduled to appear before Leeds Crown Court on January 16th.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police stated: 'Proceedings at court will reflect the outcome of the forensic post mortem.'
Family's heartbreaking tribute
Lisa's devastated family have released an emotional tribute to the 'kind' and much-loved mother and daughter. Her mother shared a poignant message on social media.
'This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to share,' she wrote. 'I tucked her in tightly and kissed her goodnight.'
Describing her daughter's final acts, she said Lisa had 'one final party she needed to attend to make sure she could spread some Christmas magic.' She added that Lisa did 'what she does best by helping other families have a special Christmas until she fell fast asleep.'
The family expressed profound gratitude for community support, stating: 'From the bottom of all our hearts we can not express how truly grateful we really are for everyone in the community pulling together and making her six beautiful babies' Christmas, and lives, special.'
'The kindness and love that everyone has shown us has just explained how very loved she really was and still is. Thank you to each and every one of you. Enjoy your final party and well-earned rest.'
