Lee Rigby, 25-Year-Old Father, Identified As British Soldier Murdered In Gruesome London Attack

The slain British soldier who was viciously murdered on the streets of London in the Woolwich area has been identified. The victim was Lee Rigby, 25-year-old British soldier who served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Rigby was known by his friends as "Riggers" and was remembered fondly as a vivacious drummer in a military band, and "loving father" to his two-year-old son Jack.

In a statement, the U.K. Ministry of Defense said Rigby was, "an extremely popular and witty soldier, Drummer Rigby was a larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers."

Rigby was killed in broad daylight by two suspected terrorists yielding meat cleavers and knives as he walked in the Woolwich area near an army barracks. The men were reportedly, "hacking at him, chopping him, and cutting him." The terrorists were described by witnesses as "crazed" and "animals." The two suspects were shot and detained by police after they refused to drop their weapons, which were covered in Rigby's blood.

Rigby joined the army in 2006 leaving behind his life in Manchester, England. He was then deployed on operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in April 2009, "where he served as a member of the Fire Support Group in Patrol Base Woqab."

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Rigby's other service had him guarding the U.K.'s royal palaces. "He was an integral member of the Corps of Drums throughout the Battalion's time on public duties, the highlight of which was being a part of the Household Division's Beating the Retreat - a real honor for a line infantry Corps of Drums," the statement said.

Rigby was described as a "dedicated and professional solider" by his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor.

Taylor recounted Rigby's valor while serving in the British armed forces, "larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums. An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus," he said.

While a man deserving of praise for his proficient and courageous work, Rigby was described by his platoon commander from 2010 to 2011, Captain Alan Williamson said "Riggers" was a "cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood."

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