Jamie Chappell, 25, is critically ill in hospital after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at Widham Gardens building site in Purton, near Swindon, on Thursday. His family described him as 'one of the kindest, most gentle souls you could ever meet'.
Suspect charged
James Denys, 36, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm following what police are calling a 'serious assault'. Initially treated as a suspected murder attempt, that has since been downgraded. A second suspect, also 36, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has been released on bail.
Family's tribute
A spokesperson for Chappell's family told the Swindon Advertiser: 'He left for work on the morning of Thursday 23th July like any other day, never imagining that within hours he would be fighting for his life. Today Jamie remains critically ill. Every hour is a battle and our family continues to live with the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure.'
The spokesperson added: 'Jamie is the heart of our family and the life and soul of every room he walks into. He is the one who makes people laugh, lifts others up and would do anything for anyone. His kindness, loyalty and love for those around him are what define him, not the horrific events that have brought us to this moment.'
Gratitude to responders
The family thanked the site agent and workmen who acted before emergency services arrived, saying: 'We truly believe that your actions saved his life.' They also thanked police, paramedics, and the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance team, as well as the trauma team and neurosurgeons at Southmead Hospital. Police have asked the public not to speculate on the incident.
