Former Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers legend, Jlloyd Samuel has tragically died aged just 37.
The Premier League defender, who was selected to play for England U-18, U-19, and U-21s, is reported to have died in a car crash after taking his children to school in Cheshire earlier this morning.
At the time of his tragic death, Samuel was working as a player-manager for Egerton Football Club based in Knutsford, Cheshire.
A statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association said:
We’ve received some terrible news that former National defender and Ex-Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers player Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash this morning in England.
According to reports, Jlloyd was returning home after dropping his kids off to school and collided with an oncoming vehicle.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and his former national teammates at this time extends deepest condolences to his family members both in the UK and here in Trinidad and Tobago.
Cheshire Police said a Range Rover was involved in a collision with a van in the village of High Legh near Warrington this morning, Sky News reports.
The force released a statement:
Sadly the driver of the car, Jlloyd Samuel, 37, from Lymm, died at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers.
The driver of the van, a 54-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
All emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene but it is reported that the car Samuel was driving was engulfed in flames shortly after the accident.
One witness claims to have tried to get Samuel out of the car by breaking one of the windows, but says he was unable to do so.
Samuel was born in Trinidad and Tobago but grew up in south-east London where his talent on the football field were first noticed back when he still at first.
After a short spell playing for Charlton Athletic youth academy, Aston Villa spotted and signed Samuel where he officially began his footballing career.
Samuel played for Villa in 169 games over the course of nine years before making the move to Bolton Wanderers and then Cardiff City on loan.
Aston Villa FC paid tribute to the footballer in a tweet which read:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former player Jlloyd Samuel at the age of just 37 in a car accident
Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time.
Stan Collymore, who played alongside Samuel for a short spell at Aston Villa offered his condolences to the player, writing:
Devastating news about J Lloyd Samuel. Was a fantastic young pro @AVFCOfficial and I know many at our club will be truly distraught today.
I know our club will honour him tonight and remainder of the season.
Rest in peace Jay.
Samuel was married to his wife, Emma. The married couple had three children together.
Rest in peace. Our thoughts go out to Samuel’s friends and family at this hard time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
