Police name 23-year-old victim of nightclub stabbing
The 23-year-old man who was stabbed to death on the dance floor of a Birmingham nightclub on Boxing Day has been named as semi-pro footballer Cody Fisher. In a statement, his family said: “They have broken our hearts; I have lost my best friend. My family and I ask for privacy and respect at this heartbreaking time.” West Midlands Police were called to The Crane nightclub in Digbeth just before 11.45pm on Boxing Day.
According to police, Mr Fisher was “having a good time with friends” on a night out when he was attacked by a group of people.
He was pronounced dead about half an hour later, despite efforts to save him. The police have launched a murder investigation.
Cody played as a defender for Stratford Town FC, who are in the Southern League Premier Division Central.
The talented left back was previously part of Birmingham City FC’s academy and played as a youth trainee with Walsall FC before making senior appearances for Stratford Town, Stourbridge FC and Bromsgrove Sporting.
Cody Fisher (Image: Stratford Town FC)
CRANE club, Birmingham (Image: PA)
In September 2021, he was named man of the match by fans after scoring for Bromsgrove on his debut during a 2–0 win in the FA Cup.
Cody played for Alvechurch ahead of the 2018/19 season before signing for Stratford Town in September 2018. There he established himself as a regular in the first team.
In August 2021, Bromsgrove Sporting announced they were “thrilled” to have brought in the youngster. At the time, former manager Bren Kelly called Cody a “very good player”.
Hundreds of people were packed into the crowded nightclub at the time of the stabbing, police said. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene and urging anyone who was in the area to get in touch.
People who visited the nightclub criticized the security screenings at the event, noting a “really weird atmosphere” and a hostile atmosphere.
Sydnee Power, from Birmingham, described “groups of boys” who “wanted to cause trouble”.
The 23-year-old said: “As soon as me and my friends walked in, we got a really weird vibe and the vibe wasn’t good… There were groups of guys everywhere, most of them looking moody.
“A lot of them certainly wanted to cause trouble. They clearly weren’t there to enjoy the music.”
An 18-year-old man from Wolverhampton, who declined to be named, said the incident was a “disaster waiting to happen”.
Commenting on the security screenings, he said: “Me and the friend I was with were not once asked to empty our pockets, even though mine were full. I was wearing cargo pants with pockets full.
“They didn’t even touch me while they searched me, they just traced the contours of my body with their hands and then tapped me to continue.
“Of course you want everyone to have a good time and have fun (but) when we came in I said to my friend, ‘That’s the worst quest I’ve ever seen’. Anyone could have brought in anything.”
According to police, hundreds of people were in the nightclub at the time of the Boxing Day stabbing (Image: PA)
Tributes are starting to pour in for the young footballer and Tuesday night “RIP Cody” was trending on Twitter.
Stratford Town chairman Jed McCrory told Sky News that “everyone is devastated by the news” and described Mr Fisher as a “talented footballer” and a “lovely, lovely young man”.
Legendary Birmingham footballer Darren Byfield – who won six caps for Jamaica and most recently coached Crawley Town FC – was one of the first to pay tribute.
He said: “I saw the tweets earlier about the boy being stabbed in Digbeth and just found out it was a player I signed when I was at Stratford Town.
“Cody Fisher CLAIMED [rest in eternal peace]Your family will be in my prayers.”
One of Mr Fisher’s friends, who played football with him at Bromsgrove Sporting last season, told Sky News: “He really was one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. He would do anything for you.”
The friend said Mr Fisher texted him last night to ask if he was going out for a night out, but he decided not to go.
Meanwhile, Cody’s gym partner, Ollie Taylor, posted an emotional tribute to his friend.
He said, “Cody man, no words. My gym partner, what a sincere and kind hearted boy. I love you, pray for justice.”
Friend Jordan Goddard tweeted, “Feel absolutely empty. Heartbroken. Couldn’t want to meet a nicer person who is always smiling, always good energy. Will miss you forever my brother. I love you.”
In a statement on Instagram, The Crane said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened that a man lost his life last night as our Boxing Day event came to a close. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family and friends. We are working closely together with West Midlands Police in investigating this crime.
“We encourage anyone who witnessed this incident, or has information that could assist West Midlands Police, to contact them directly. We do not believe it is right to hold our New Year’s Eve event under these circumstances. All ticket holders will be contacted and refunded directly by the relevant ticket providers.”
Police said the place remains closed while evidence is gathered and community officers will patrol the area in the coming days to provide reassurance.