Dad launches new business on beloved son Ryan Passey's birthday

The father of 24-year-old Ryan Passey, who was stabbed to death in a Stourbridge nightspot, has marked what would have been his son's 32nd birthday by launching a new business in his memory.

Ade Passey has launched RTP Maintenance Services in memory of former Wren's Nest FC midfielder Ryan, who died on August 6 2017 after he was stabbed in the chest in the old Chicago's nightclub in The Ryemarket on a night out with friends.

Since the tragedy, Mr Passey and relatives and friends have campaigned tirelessly for justice for Ryan - pursuing legal action, meeting high level Government officials and unwaveringly marking key events in the calendar to ensure his memory lives on.

Now, today - April 29, on what would have been Ryan's 32nd birthday, heartbroken dad Ade has dedicated his new property and maintenance business to his much-missed son, who had been running his own successful window cleaning firm at the time of his tragic death.

At a launch event at Stourbridge Football Club at the War Memorial Ground in Amblecote, he said: "This business that I'm launching means so much to me. I know Ryan will be looking down at me and he'll be so proud of his dad."

The business will work with local organisations to raise awareness of knife crime and help educate young people about the dangers of knife crime. 

A spokesperson for the Justice For Ryan campaign said: "RTP Maintenance Services is about creating a lasting legacy in Ryan’s memory. Ryan's story has galvanized our efforts to create a safer environment for everyone. We are committed to honouring his memory by working tirelessly to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Through our initiatives, we aim to support other victims of knife crime and their families, advocate for legal reforms, and foster a united community against violence."

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, who has been supporting the family since her time in office, said she was "thrilled to support the business launch in Ryan's name" - adding: "It is a fantastic way to keep his memory alive and raise awareness of tackling knife crime.

"Supporting the Passey family remains a labour of love for me, and I will continue to do so until justice is done. No family should endure what they have experienced; no family should lose a son or daughter to knife crime, and no young adult should feel the need to carry a knife."  

Ryan's family has been fighting for justice since the man accused of killing the popular footballer, Kobe Murray, walked free from court, acquitted of murder and manslaughter in what was described as a 'perverse jury acquittal' in February 2018 after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. 

Dad Ade, and mum Gill Taylor and step-father Phil, later pursued civil action against Murray, who had changed his name to Kareem Gayle by then, with the court ruling relatives had the right to seek damages for wrongful death under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. The family was awarded £10,000 in damages and Murray was hit with a £12,000 bill for court costs.

As part of their justice fight they have also campaigned for a change in the law in cases where a jury verdict is considered ‘perverse’ and contradicts the evidence presented in court.

Meanwhile, a reinvestigation of the criminal case by West Midlands Police continues. Detectives relaunched a murder probe in 2023 and have since issued fresh appeals for information to try to bring about justice for Ryan's still grieving family.