The greengrocer punched by a cyclist in a road rage attack in Hove has died in hospital.
Tony Magdi, 52, of Portland Road , Hove , was suffering from an infection while being treated at Hurstwood Park Neurosciences Centre in Haywards Heath.
He had been in a coma for three weeks since being attacked across the road from his shop and home by the junction with Westbourne Gardens.
He had opened the door of his car in the path of three cyclists causing them to take avoiding action.
In the moments that followed, one of the cyclists attacked Mr Magdi, knocking him out.
He never regained consciousness.
His friend George Jeha and George’s wife Liz have been keeping friends and well-wishers up to date with Mr Magdi’s progress on a blog.
This morning they wrote: “I am so, so sorry to have to tell you that Tony died last night.
“The infection was too much for his body to withstand.
“Friends and family were able to visit him yesterday evening to say goodbye.
“As there is a criminal investigation going on, there will be a delay in funeral arrangements until an autopsy is performed.
“We will let you know what the arrangements will be as soon as we can, and then we will say goodbye to a good man.
“Thanking you for all your love and support.”
Later they issued a statement saying: “We are obviously deeply saddened by this tragedy and loss of a dear friend.
“We know Tony will be remembered and very much missed, especially in the Portland Road area of Hove, where his greengrocery was well-known.
“As one customer put it so beautifully he was ‘a gentle addition of kindness, generosity and caring threading through our community’.
Really sorry to hear this news. I was a regular customer. What a waste of a nice man.
Tony Magdi was the best a human can aspire to be. A big claim and very true. We, his doting customers, are bereft.
I have been a customer of Tony’s for over twelve years, living round the corner in Westbourne Gardens, and am so sorry to hear of his death. Tony will be remembered for ages to come. So many people have good memories of him, and all my sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Goodbye, Tony. Thanks for your kindness and genorousity.
My family have been coming to Tony’s for our fruit and veg for many years. From day one he was someone special to us, a caring and generous individual with a special affection for children. Like with so many people he always gave something extra for our boys. That was his way, which marked him out as a special and unique individual. Since this incident I have heard nothing but wonderful and inspiring stories of the many ways in which Tony had made a difference to people’s lives.
I am a woodcarver. I would be happy to carve a small memorial to Tony to be placed perhaps by his shop.
God Bless Him