A coroner who opened an investigation into the death of a “mesmerising” and “selfless” Heathrow check-in employee was informed today that the man was killed with a stab wound to the chest.
Rafaqit Kayani’s wife wrote a memorial to the 24-year-old in the days after his death on August 30 in Slough, referring to him as a “real pinnacle of beauty.”
The skilled boxer was stabbed on the street and left for dead near the parking lot of a Hindu temple on Keel Drive. He died in a pool of blood.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital that same day despite the assistance of the emergency services. Two males were arrested after the attack in relation to his death.
Berkshire coroner Katy Thorne KC, the Reading coroner’s office assistant, expressed her sympathy today but decided to put the inquiry on hold so that other legal actions may proceed.
Opening the inquest in, Katy Thorne KC said: ‘I am opening the inquest into the death of Mohammed Rafaqit Kayani, who was born on March 24, 1998, and his address was given as Hull Close, Slough, Berks.
‘It has been reported to us that he died on August 30, 2022 at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough. His identification was confirmed by Sonam Kayani. The circumstances were that an ambulance and police officers were called Keel Drive in Slough at 13.45 on August 30.
‘Mr Kayani was found with a stab wound to the chest. He was taken to hospital and unfortunately, his death was confirmed the same day. A cause of death was given as a stab wound to the chest.
‘Due to the unnatural aspects of this death, this will be listed for an inquest. However this will be suspended to allow proceedings in another court to take place. I would like to record my condolences to the friends and family at this time.’
Hassan Al-Kubanji, age 21, of Peabody Avenue in London, has been charged with murder, obstructing the administration of justice, carrying a weapon or sharp object in a public place, and two counts of possessing cocaine and heroin with the purpose to resell them.
Miguel Parian John, 41, of Concorde Way in Slough, has been charged with two counts of possessing cocaine and heroin with the intent to distribute them, one act of aiding an offender, and one crime of possessing a razor or sharp object in a public place.
The wife of Mr. Kayani wrote the following in a tribute: “My darling husband. A man who really made this awful world seem like something out of a fairy tale. A proud Muslim man who is a loving father, compassionate brother, and generous friend.
A tribute, written by Mr Kayani’s wife, read: ‘My beautiful husband. A man that truly made this terrible world feel like a fairytale. A loving son, caring brother, selfless friend and proud Muslim man.
