Rigby on his wedding day. (
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LEE RIGBY (
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The soldier slaughtered on the streets of London by Islamic radicals was identified today as an Afghan war veteran and loving father of a 2-year-old boy, British military officials said.
Lee “Riggers” Rigby, a 25-year-old Manchester native, survived the war in Afghanistan only to be brutally hacked to death in broad daylight in the south central London neighborhood of Woolwich yesterday.
Rigby’s family said in a prepared statement: “Lee was lovely. He would do anything for anybody. He always looked after his sisters and always protected them. He took a ‘big brother’ role with everyone.”
“All he wanted to do from when he was a little boy was to be in the Army,” the family statement said. “He wanted to live life and enjoy himself.”
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His fellow servicemen described Rigby as a larger-than-life personality, always smiling and wanting to talk about his favorite soccer team, this season’s Premiere League-champion Manchester United.
He joined the Army in 2006 before being selected for the prestigious Corps of Drums and posted to 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
The machine gunner Rigby was dispatched to the Helmand province of Afghanistan in April 2009 before returning to duties in both Celle, Germany and London.
He’s survived by his 2-year-old son Jack and wife Rebecca Metcalf. He and Metcalf tied the knot in 2007.
Metcalf’s brother said his heartbroken sister still can’t comprehend how Rigby was killed in such brutal manner, in broad daylight on the streets of London.
“They are all inside still trying to get their heads around what has happened. It’s still not sunk in,” the widow’s brother said, according to the Telegraph newspaper. “She’s absolutely in bits [emotionally devastated]. His son is there. It’s shocking.”
The Right Rev. Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, said the nation is grieving for Rigby.
“The nation has been shocked by Lee’s death,” he said. “But the greatest burden is carried by those he knew and loved. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family, friends and those he served with.”
Lt. Col. Jim Taylor, commanding officer of Second Fusiliers, said Rigby worked as a recruiter in what tragically turned out to be his last assignment.
Rigby was a natural at selling the Army life to recruits, according to Taylor.
“His ability, talent and personality made him a natural choice to work in the recruiting group,” Taylor said. “He will be sorely missed by everyone in the Second Fusiliers.”
Rigby’s good humor was a valuable asset to his commanders, who knew “Riggers” could break any tension with his infectious smile and laugh.
” ‘Riggers’ … was a cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood, he was an extremely popular,” said Capt. Alan Williamson, Rigby’s platoon commander in 2010-2011.
When Rigby was dispatched to perform in a military parade, spectators could easily spot him.
“He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums,” said Warrant Officer Class 1 Ned Miller said.
Like most fans, Rigby was most chatty when his beloved Red Devils won a match.
So he had plenty to say to his pal Miller this season.
“He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again,” Miller said.