A footballer was killed after a van ploughed into his team on a Christmas night out. Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub at 2am with his AFC Curzon teammates when a van hit the group.
Following the incident in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on Saturday night, a 27-year-old man was arrested by police on suspicion of murder.
Since Mr Wilson’s death was announced, fellow players, friends, and family have paid tribute to a player they described as “genuine”, “a true gentleman,” and “soft-natured”.
Speaking to the Mirror, AFC Curzon manager Wayne Riley said Mr Wilson was “one of the most genuine, soft-natured men you would ever wish to meet” and “didn’t have a bad bone in his body and would do anything for anyone”.
In a post on Facebook, Mr Riley wrote that Mr Wilson was a “very good footballer”. He added: “It took me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning but it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
“I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good and two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.”
Mr Riley’s wife said Mr Wilson was a “true gentleman”. She said he was “sweet-natured and well-mannered and his death has shaken everybody. Not all of the team were out together, but many of the lads were there and saw what happened”.
Since his death, police have launched an investigation into what happened. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this distressing time.
“They have asked for privacy and are currently being supported by family liaison officers. We have a team of officers working on this investigation and I would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while the Market Place in Ilkeston has been closed.
“I would continue to urge any witnesses to the collision, and anyone in the area at the time, to contact us.”
Mr Wilson’s family has also created a JustGiving page to raise money to pay for the funeral. On the page, they wrote: “As many of you are aware, my brother Samuel, or Sam/ Willow to everybody else was tragically killed by a drunk driver in the early hours of Saturday morning, December 16.”
The family added: “Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe the huge hole it has left in all of our hearts.
“I know this isn’t a good time of year financially for anybody, but if anyone would like to help and donate towards the cost of saying Goodbye to Samuel, help would be greatly appreciated from myself, and my family. Thank you, all our love x.”
People who want to donate to the fundraiser can click this link.
In a subsequent statement, Derbyshire Police said a 27-year-old Zac Newman has been charged with murder, wounding with intent and attempted grievous bodily harm. Mr Newman reportedly appeared in court today.
