GettyUgo Ehiogu has tragically died aged 44, after suffering a heart attack while at Tottenham Hotspurs training ground on Thursday morning.
Ugo was working as Spurs Under 23s coach, fell to the floor at the club and was given urgent medical attention from the academy’s staff.
He was rushed to hospital, but sadly, in the early hours of Friday morning, Ugo passed away, the Independent reports.
GettyThe club issued a statement reading:
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ugo Ehiogu, our Under-23 coach.
Ugo received immediate treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Training Centre yesterday before being transferred to hospital, where he passed away in the early hours of this morning.
The club sends its deepest condolences to Ugo’s family. Gemma has specifically asked that the family are given privacy at this difficult time.
We should also like to place on record our thanks to all the medical professionals including those at North Middlesex University Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital for their care and support.
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ugo Ehiogu, our Under-23 coach. pic.twitter.com/sSU0yqVfyk
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 21, 2017
Ugo was born in east London and joined West Bromwich Albion before moving to Villa, where he remained for nine years.
During his time there, Villa won the league Cup twice, before he moved to Middlesbrough in 2000 and was a league cup winner again in 2004.
John McDermott, Tottenham’s head of coaching and player development said:
Words cannot express the shock and sadness that we all feel at the Club.
Ugo’s immense presence will be irreplaceable. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Gemma and his family.
GettyDuring his career, Ugo also played at Leeds on a short loan spell, before moving to Rangers and finishing up with Sheffield United.
The England football team have also posted a tweet, sharing condolences to the deceased footballer’s family.
It read:
We’re devastated to hear the news that Ugo Ehiogu has passed away. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all lucky enough to know him.
We're devastated to hear the news that Ugo Ehiogu has passed away.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with all lucky enough to know him. pic.twitter.com/UXT4CXNIne
— England (@England) April 21, 2017
Over his successful career, Ugo made 507 club appearances, scored 26 goals and won four England caps, before retiring in 2009 and becoming a coach with Spurs in 2014.
RIP Ugo. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
