A soccer player described as “talented” and “fantastic” has died suddenly at just 24 years old.
Tributes have been flooding in on social media for “terrific” British soccer player Ross Aikenhead following his tragic death over the Easter weekend.
Aikenhead was a “fantastic young man,” his club Winsford United FC said in a statement.
The Cheshire team, which plays in the North West Counties League, said Ross will be “sorely missed” after his unexpected death.
In a statement announcing Aikenhead’s death, the team wrote:
“It’s with deep sadness that we have to announce that our player Ross Aikenhead has sadly passed away.
“Ross was a fantastic young man and a terrific footballer.
“He will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the club, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Ross’s family and friends.
“RIP Ross.”
It’s with deep sadness that we confirm former Ammie Ross Aikenhead has sadly passed away
Ross was a talented attacker with a keen eye for goal, and a fantastic lad off the pitch
He’ll be missed by everyone at the club
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ross’ family at this time pic.twitter.com/GN8fGGEjsQ
— Wythenshawe Football Club (@WythenshaweFC) March 31, 2024
Aikenhead cause of death has not been disclosed.
Former teammates said they were devastated by Ross’s passing.
They remembered a “polite and friendly” man who was one of the “nicest lads on and off the pitch”.
One said: “Absolutely devastating news this.
“I’ve played with Ross at 4 different clubs (Sat/Sun) and he was a fantastic footballer, but more importantly an even better lad. Sending all my love to the Aikenhead family x.”
Another said Ross “demanded the best out of his teammates week in, week out.”
They added: “No one can fault that he is one of the nicest lads you will ever meet on and off the pitch.”
And a third penned: “Rest in peace Ross.
“A top lad, Always so polite and friendly.
“Wanting to learn and improve.”
“He was a fantastic footballer, but more importantly an even better lad,” a former teammate said.
Ross Aikenhead 💔
This is heartbreaking
He was a fantastic young footballer pic.twitter.com/Z7nleaGoMf— Sidra Rao (@IM_Sidra_56) April 1, 2024
While it’s unclear how Aikenhead died, he appeared to be in peak physical condition shortly before his death.
Just last month, Winsford shared videos of Ross smashing in two penalties against Colne FC.
Wythenshawe FC, whom Ross briefly played for, also paid tribute.
The South Manchester club wrote on Facebook:
“On behalf of everyone at Wythenshawe Town FC we send our deepest condolences to the family of Ross Aikenhead.
“Ross played with us in preseason and early part of the current season.”
Wythenshawe FC will hold a minute’s applause in tribute to Ross before the team’s game with Wythenshawe Town on Monday.
Winsford Town FC said they were devastated by the sad news.
The team wrote on Facebook:
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Winsford United and the family and friends of Ross Aikenhead who sadly passed away over the weekend.
“Such sad news. Rest in peace, Ross.”
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