Tributes to 'big-hearted' student stabbed to death

Tributes have poured in for a university student "with a big heart" who was fatally stabbed on a night out.

Henry Nowak, 18, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, died at the scene after he suffered a puncture wound to his chest and two to his leg in Belmont Road, Southampton, on 3 December.

He was in his first year at Southampton University and the student union has said "he will be very much missed by his friends".

Vickrum Digwa, 22, of St Denys Road, will appear at Southampton Crown Court on 13 March 2026, charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Mr Digwa's mother Kiran Kaur, 52, also of St Denys Road, has been charged with assisting an offender.

In a joint statement from Emma Brown, Southampton University union president, and Sonia Cottrell, the union's chief executive, they offered their "heartfelt sympathies" to Mr Nowak's family.

They said: "We know you will all be feeling huge shock, sadness and disbelief at Henry's loss, and we send our sincerest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event."

Two of the clubs Mr Nowak was involved with at the university, Villarrealgorithm CF and Southampton University Football Club, also shared their support for his family and friends.

They said: "Absolutely devastating to lose someone so funny, kind and talented at such a young age. Henry's presence on and off the pitch will be sorely missed."

They added: "He was the kind of lad who, when he walked into a room, instantly lifted the mood.

"Henry had a big heart and an even bigger personality, and he will be incredibly missed by everyone."

The family of Mr Nowak said he was on a night out with his new football teammates but "devastatingly, he never made it home".

Paying tribute, they said: "Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures.

"There are no words to describe just how heartbroken we are that we will never get to see him grow and fulfil his awesome potential.

"We are so proud of him and all he achieved."

The university said it was supporting students and staff and would be helping Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary with its ongoing investigation.