Tributes after death of dad Danny Dix in Rotherham attack

Danny Dix (38) died last Saturday (March 16) — a week after being seriously hurt in an incident in Bridgegate.

A balloon release and vigil in tribute to the dad of one was held in All Saints’ Square on Monday.

Danny’s brother, Simon Dix, confirmed the family had consented to donate the Millers fan’s organs.

He thanked people who had sent good wishes and made donations to an appeal launched by friend Stefen Cox to support Danny’s nine-year-old daughter Freya and fund his funeral, which has raised £5,000 so far.

“We are completely overwhelmed with the outpour of emotion and the fundraising,” Simon said. 

“On behalf of the whole family, we would like to thank everyone for their support, love and best wishes and we cannot thank the people of Rotherham and further afield enough.”

Kind-hearted Jay Haywood, who leads the team running the community kitchen volunteers, organised a candle lighting and one-minute silence in the town centre on Monday evening. 

“I didn’t know Danny personally, but my son and other friends of mine did and we wanted to let Danny and his family know he was in the thoughts of many in our home town,” Jay said. 

“We only decided to do this on Monday morning and put a notice up on our Facebook page for word to get around — I couldn’t believe the number of people that came, it was amazing.”

Danny’s favourite song, ‘Live Forever’ by Oasis, was played and his family and friends released red and white balloons donated by Rotherham United, Morrisons and The Card Factory.

Five people were arrested in connection with the assault.

Three have since been released on bail and the other two released under investigation. 

Det Chief Insp Simon Palmer said the investigation was ongoing and appealed for any ne information to be passed by calls to the police on 101, quoting incident number 675 of March 9.