By John Baron
A crowdfunder set up to raise money for the family of a delivery driver who was killed during an apparent ‘vanjacking’ in Armley has passed the £25,000 mark.
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, from Sheffield, died as he tried to stop a thief stealing his van when out delivering parcels on Heights Drive, Armley, on Tuesday evening.
Mr Kondor’s colleagues at SP Transport Group have set up a fundraiser for the driver, who they described as a “beloved colleague and confidant”. The fundraiser has smashed its initial £750 target and, at the time of writing, has raised £25,400.
Mike Neill, operations manager of SP Transport Group, wrote the “unimaginable loss” had left everyone “devastated”.
“Claudiu was a dedicated and cherished member of the SP Transport Group family who tragically lost his life on 20 August 2024 during a struggle that occurred in the midst of a van theft,” he said.
“Claudiu was more than just a colleague – he was a friend, a confidant and a valued member of our team.
“His commitment to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace will never be forgotten.”
Mr Neill added that Mr Kondor’s death would affect all who knew him.
“While no amount of money can fill the void left by Claudiu’s passing, we hope to provide some comfort and support to his loved ones,” Mr Neill said.
The fundraiser can be found here.
Mark Ross, aged 32, of Conference Road, Armley, appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with Mr Kondor’s murder.
Another 24-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder. A woman, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.
Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation should contact police on 101, quoting Operation Proscombe or crime reference 13240455080, or reporting online via the West Yorkshire Police website.
Information, including footage, can be provided through the Major Incident Public Portal.
Using made up terms like “vanjacking” just diminishes the seriousness of this offence, even if it hadn’t had such horrendous consequences. The correct term of “Robbery” should be used by the WLD reporter.