Oxford News
Beloved Oxfordshire Big Issue seller has inquest set
Paul Crawford, who was a familiar face to the city’s residents, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.
A Big Issue seller, the 48-year-old greeted folk in the city daily, and his death saddened many, leading to an outpouring of grief.
This saw flowers and messages left on a bench in Summertown, with locals paying tribute at the time of his passing.
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Tributes to Paul Crawford in Summertown. (Image: Newsquest)
A jury inquest will take place on Thursday (April 30) and is scheduled to begin at 10am at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court.
The Big Issue is a UK-based social enterprise selling a magazine to help homeless and vulnerable people earn an income.
It provides a “hand up, not a handout” by allowing vendors to buy copies cheaply and sell for profit.
The magazine also tackles poverty through broader initiatives like investment and support services, and offering a platform for social issues and current affairs.