Phil Hammond, Hillsborough Justice Campaigner, Dies at 72

Hammond, who lost his son in the 1989 tragedy, was a key figure in the decades-long fight for accountability and remembrance for the 97 victims.

Phil Hammond, former chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG), passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for justice.
Hammond’s 14-year-old son, Philip, was one of 97 Liverpool fans unlawfully killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster during an FA Cup semi-final match.
As HFSG chair, Hammond played a pivotal role in gathering evidence, which contributed to the 2016 inquest ruling that the deaths were caused by police and ambulance service failings.
Hammond suffered a near-fatal brain haemorrhage in 2008, which curtailed his active involvement in the campaign, but his contributions remained foundational to the cause.
Tributes from Liverpool FC, fellow campaigners, and local officials praised Hammond’s dedication, kindness, and determination to honor the memory of his son and the other victims.