York: York Minster candle lit vigil to remember Sam Diatta

A group has been set up on Facebook to organise a vigil on the steps outside York Minster next week in memory of 39-year-old Sam, from York, who tragically died in a disturbance at Mappin and Webb jewellers in Coney Street in York city centre a on July 26.

The group has been set up by Ashley Elizabeth Dobbs, Cheryl-Mae Dobbs and Sam's older sister, Téba.

Sam Diatta

They say: "Let’s get together and show some love and solidarity for Sam Diatta and his family in these troubled times.

"To spread love and light and remember Sam. A candle lit vigil where we can all stand together and unite and show our support.

"Please bring candles although there will be some available so we can light these on the Minster steps.

"We will hold a minute silence in Sam’s honour."

The event is being held on Thursday from 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

A medical investigation is being conducted into the cause of his death. 

Four men, who were initially arrested in connection with the report, have been interviewed and released on bail pending the results of police and medical investigations.  

Teba said: "We don't know why he went into the jeweller's, but it was my mum's birthday two days later and we'd like to think he'd gone in there to buy something for her."

Sam spent the first nine years of his life living on Leeman Road and attended St Barnabas church and school.

When the family moved to Acomb, Sam attended Poppleton Road primary school for two years, before heading to Manor CE school, where he was a popular face in his year group. He belonged to Lidgett Grove church cubs and Scouts and enjoyed camping.

Teba and Sam pictured in July 1987

Remembering her brother as they grew up together in York, Teba said: "He was a very humble person, he was kind, loving and generous, he was always doing special things for you.

"He was very sporty at school. He was into his rugby, both at school and he played for York Railway Institute.

"My dad is from Senegal so whenever there was international football on we always had a laugh because I'd support Senegal and he'd support England if it came to it."

The Diatta family: Sam, Teba, Judy and George

As an adult Teba said Sam's generosity of spirit never left him.

"We have family out in Senegal and he would send them money when times were tight to buy school uniforms and things like that.

"He loved his food and he'd always go to Jorvik Spice in The Mount where he was well-known.

"He was really intelligent, but he didn't show off about things. He did well at school and got 4 As at GCSE with the rest Bs and Cs.

“Sadly, in his later teenage years Sam developed mental health issues which stayed with him throughout his life."

Teba with her brother, Sam

Teba said that since Sam's death the family has been overwhelmed by the support from family, friends and the local community.

"We have had so many flowers and cars and messages on social media, it's been quite overwhelming.

"People have been stopping by the house and stopping us in the street to check how we're doing," said Teba.

"They have been so kind."

As The Press reported at the time of the incident, North Yorkshire Police officers received several reports of a disturbance at the store and upon arrival a man was being restrained by a member of the shop staff and members of the public.

Unfortunately Sam began to have medical difficulties and was taken to York Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after 6.40pm. 

Sam made headlines in The Press when, as a 20-year-old, he dived in to the River Ouse in York to rescue a 24-year-old woman who plunged in to the River Ouse at Esplanade Court, near Marygate. 

He was out for a drink in the former Bay Horse pub in Marygate - now Roots restaurant - with friends and was one of a group of of people involved in the rescue.

He said at the time: "Someone threw a life-ring and we put it over her and then together we managed to drag her out. I'm glad I did it, I couldn't have lived with myself if I'd stood by and something had happened to her."

Sam Diatta pictured with his mum, Judy, and sister, Teba

Anyone who witnessed the Mappin and Webb incident and has not yet come forward is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for the Major Incident Team. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote incident number 405 of July 26.