Latest news with #Messham
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tribute paid to 'family man' who died on cruise
The family of a man whose death on a cruise ship sparked a police investigation have said he had "a heart of gold". James Messham, from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, was reported dead about two-and-a-half hours after MSC Virtuosa departed Southampton on 3 May. In a tribute to the 60-year-old his family said they are "heartbroken" and struggling with "unanswered" questions. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary arrested a 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, on Sunday on suspicion of manslaughter. He was the second man to be arrested in relation to the death, after a 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on 5 May was released on bail. The vessel left Southampton at 18:00 BST for a two-night voyage to Bruges, Belgium, returning at 06:00 on Monday 5 May. The police have said they wanted to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship. The family of Mr Messham have issued a statement for their loved one. They said: "James was a loving father to 8 children the youngest being only 10 years old. The unbreakable bond between us will never be forgotten. He was a family man. "He was there for us all daily. He also had 10 grandchildren that he doted on. He will be very dearly missed by so many people. He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone. "Our lives will never be the same without him. His wife and all us children and grandchildren are heartbroken. All of us are struggling with so many unanswered questions in relation to what happened that night aboard MSC Virtousa." His eldest daughter Charmaine Messham described her father as a "businessman" who turned his hand to many trades to provide for his family, most notable was his work as a wall of death showman for a fairground. "He was born a showman from the fairground. He travelled with a wall of death show all over the world. The show has been in the Messham family for 5 generations." The wall of death is a carnival sideshow featuring a wooden cylinder, which typically sees motorcyclists travel along the vertical wall and perform stunts. Ms Messham said her father had a "cheeky" sense of humour and that he "taught all of his children everything we know". "He was a fantastic role model," she said. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Second arrest in cruise ship death investigation Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
ITV News
11-05-2025
- ITV News
Second man arrested in connection with death on cruise ship
A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man on board a cruise ship James Messham, 60, from Shoreham-by-Sea, died following an "altercation" on the MSC Virtuosa on Saturday (May 3) as it was in British waters returning from a short trip to Belgium. A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been released pending further inquiries by Hampshire Constabulary. Now the force has confirmed a 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. It is understood Mr Messham was part of a stag party on board the cruise ship. A spokesman said: "A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened at around 8.30pm on Saturday 3 May. "We remain keen to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship, which had departed Southampton around 6pm on Saturday and was still in British waters at the time."
Belfast Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Police arrest second man in connection with death on cruise ship
James Messham, from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, died following an 'altercation' on the MSC Virtuosa as it was in British waters on Saturday, May 3, during a short trip to Belgium. A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was released pending further inquiries by Hampshire Constabulary. Now the force has confirmed that a second man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. A spokesman said: 'A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened at around 8.30pm on Saturday 3 May. 'A 56-year-old man from Richmond, London, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody at this time. 'We remain keen to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship, which had departed Southampton around 6pm on Saturday and was still in British waters at the time.' Mr Messham, who operated the travelling show Messham's Wall of Death, has been described as a 'great showman' by friends posting on Facebook.
ITV News
09-05-2025
- ITV News
Sussex man, 60, who died on cruise ship named
A man from West Sussex, who died on board a cruise ship, has been named. James Messham, 60, from Shoreham-by-Sea, died following an "altercation" on the MSC Virtuosa on Saturday (May 3) as it was in British waters returning from a short trip to Belgium. A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been released pending further inquiries by Hampshire Constabulary. A spokesman for the Hampshire coroner's office confirmed that it had been informed of Mr Messham's death, but proceedings into his death had not yet been opened. It is understood that he was part of a stag party on board the cruise ship. A police spokesman said: 'Officers are continuing their inquiries into the death of a 60-year-old man from West Sussex on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened around 8.30pm on Saturday (May 3). 'A 57-year-old man arrested as part of our inquiries has been released on bail. 'We remain keen to hear from anyone who was aboard the ship, which had departed Southampton around 6pm on Saturday and was still in British waters at the time.' The ship returned from Belgium to Southampton, Hampshire, on Monday. The MSC Virtuosa is operated by MSC Cruises and has a capacity of 6,334 guests.
Toronto Sun
08-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Suspect out on bail after grandfather on cruise ship dies following altercation
James Messham died following an altercation on a cruise ship hours after it left Southampton, England for Belgium on May 3, 2025. Photo by Jake Messham / Facebook A grandfather in Britain is being remembered as a 'great showman' after he died following an altercation on a cruise ship last weekend. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account James Messham, 60, died aboard the MSC Virtuosa hours after the cruise ship left Southampton, England for Belgium on Saturday. A medic treated Messham but was unable to save his life. It appears that Messham was a member of a bachelor party on the two-night cruise. 'Officers are continuing their inquiries into the death of a 60-year-old man from West Sussex on board the MSC Virtuosa, which happened around 8.30 p.m. on Saturday,' a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman told the Birmingham Mail . 'A 57-year-old man arrested as part of our inquiries has been released on bail.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO A spokesperson for MSC Cruises released a statement following Messham's death. 'Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are cooperating fully with their investigations,' the cruise ship company said in a statement to People . This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We are providing full support to those impacted and thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.' The victim was an experienced rider who operated Messham's Wall of Death, Britain's oldest family-owned travelling motorcycle stunt show. James Messham operated Messham's Wall of Death, Britain's oldest family-owned travelling motorcycle stunt show. Photo by Messham's Wall of Death / Facebook Jake Messham, the victim's son, uploaded a photo of his father to Facebook on Sunday as friends offered their condolences. 'My deepest sympathy on your loss, he was a proper old school showman, condolences to the rest of the family,' one person wrote. Read More Another was sorry to hear the shocking news and will be missed by everyone. 'When he travelled with us with the Wall some years ago in Ireland, your dad and all your family were very helpful and great people to be around,' the friend said. 'He was a great showman and friend to all.' Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists Soccer World Canada
