The family of 39-year-old Sam Diatta, who died in an incident at Mappin and Webb jewellers on Coney Street in York on the afternoon of July 26, 2022, has paid tribute to him today. “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son and brother Sam Diatta,” they said. Sam was a wonderful member of our family who will be missed by us and his friends and family all over the world.
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Sam was half Senegalese, and his Senegalese family meant everything to him. He was an avid sports fan who cheered on both the England and Senegal football teams. He was also a member of the York RI rugby team. Sam spent his first nine years of life on Leeman Road, where he attended St Barnabas church and school. Sam went to Poppleton Road Primary School for two years before moving on to Manor C of E Secondary School, where he was a popular face in his year group. He was a member of the Lidgett Grove church cubs and Scouts, and he enjoyed camping. Unfortunately, Sam developed mental health issues in his late adolescence that he carried with him throughout his life.
A gentle giant who was kind and generous to everyone he met.” He was a devout Christian who co-founded the York College Christian Union with two other students. As a young teenager, he professed his faith in Jesus by being baptised at Acomb Baptist Church. “We anticipate his funeral/thanksgiving service will be held there at a later date. It has caused our family great distress to read some of the news articles online, implying Sam was involved in a robbery.” This is false information, as confirmed by North Yorkshire Police, and we respectfully request that these rumours cease. Please respect our privacy in the future.
“The Diatta Clan”
If you saw the incident and have not yet reported it, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for the Major Incident Team.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Please refer to incident 405 from July 26th.