Junior Dian dead: Young footballer dies after collapsing during pre-season game for Tonbridge Angels

23-year-old was on trial with the club but collapsed 20 minutes after coming off the bench, and later died in hospital after treatment

The club crest for Tonbridge Angels FC (http://www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk/)

Young footballer Junior Dian has died after collapsing during a match for Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday night, it has been confirmed.

23-year-old Dian, who was on trial with the club, fell unconscious while on the pitch during a pre-season game against Whyteleafe FC at Church Road in Surrey.

Dian came off the bench at half-time, but collapsed around 20 minutes onto the second half, and he received emergency CPR from both clubs’ physios before paramedics arrived to take him to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London, where he later died.

A statement released by the club on their website read: “Very sad news has been received that Junior Dian aged 23 passed away during the early hours of this morning.

“Today, football at Tonbridge Angels very much takes a back seat as everyone at the club tries to come to terms with this devastating news.

“Earlier the previous evening, Junior, a trialist with the club had suddenly collapsed on the pitch without warning during the second half of a pre-season friendly game away at Whyteleafe FC. in Surrey.

“Despite the heroic efforts of the two physios present, together with paramedics who attended at the ground and staff at St Georges Hospital, Tooting, sadly his life could not be saved.”

Tonbridge Angels chairman, Steve Churcher, described the news as “devastating” and sent his thoughts and sympathies to Dian’s family.

“This is devastating news and our only crumb of comfort is that Junior lost his life doing something he obviously enjoyed so much,” said Churcher. “All our thoughts and sympathies are with his family. Also I would like to thank everyone at Whyteleafe FC for their support and professionalism during this very distressing incident yesterday evening.”

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