Pictured: Tragic footballer, 17, who died after 'suffering cardiac arrest' on the pitch during FA Youth Cup match as friends pay tribute to the 'charming, unassuming and happy' young star
The first image of a young footballer who died after having a suspected cardiac arrest while playing in an FA Youth Cup match has been released.
West Bridgford Colts confirmed yesterday that Dylan Rich, 17, had tragically passed away.
The young footballer collapsed during a match between West Bridgford and Boston at Regatta Way on Thursday.
Emergency services were called to the scene and the match was abandoned and attempts were made to resuscitate the player with eyewitnesses reporting that he was shocked with a defibrillator multiple times.
The first image of a young footballer who died after having a suspected cardiac arrest while playing in an FA Youth Cup match has been released
He was later rushed to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham by ambulance and The Sun reports that he suffered a second cardiac arrest while being transported.
Paying tribute to the young footballer, Rushcliffe Athletic Club shared a photo of Dylan on Facebook.
They wrote: 'Rushcliffe Athletic Club are sorry to hear of the tragic passing today of ex club member Dylan Rich who collapsed playing football on Thursday.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Mike and Anna and sister Lucy at this sad time.'
Yesterday, Dylan's football team confirmed the tragic news that he had passed away.
Fans were asked to leave the stands at Regatta Way Sports Ground, the home stadium of the West Bridgford Colts in Gamston, Nottinghamshire. Above: The pre-match routines before Thursday's match
In a statement, West Bridgford Colts said: 'It is with great sadness that, following the events of Thursday evening, we have to announce the tragic passing of Dylan Rich.
'This news has left everyone involved with our club devastated and heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents Mike and Anna, his sister Lucy and Dylan's family, friends and teammates.
'The club would like to thank everyone within the Colts and wider football community for the hundreds of heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received over the past few days.
'The Club will provide all the support it can to those players and club officials impacted by this tragic event, but for now there are no further words possible, and we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this incredibly difficult time.'
Peter Stansbury, the Chairman of West Bridgford Colts, said: 'It is an extra tragedy for the club that such a great lad and such a lovely family have had this dreadful thing happen to them.'
The FA Youth Cup match between Boston United and West Bridgford Colts was postponed after a player suffered a 'cardiac arrest' on the pitch
The club are also planning to hold a vigil in Dylan's memory and will also be encouraging fans to take part in a round of applause at the start of all games this coming weekend.
Many other people have shared messages of condolences, including other football clubs.
Aston Villa star Ashley Young tweeted: 'Thoughts and Prayers to the family of Dylan Rich. Sad Sad News.'
While the FA issued a statement which said: 'Everyone at The FA is deeply saddened by the tragic news that West Bridgford Colts FC player Dylan Rich passed away on Saturday 4 September 2021.
'We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everybody at the club at this very difficult time.
Many people have shared messages of condolences, including other football clubs
'We would like to recognise the courageous response of all those who reacted quickly to the situation at the FA Youth Cup fixture on Thursday evening and we thank the emergency services for their efforts.
'We ask that the privacy of both his family and club is respected at this time.'
Meanwhile, Sheffield Football Club wrote: 'All our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dylan Rich and everyone at West Bridgford Colts right now. Absolutely devastating news.'
Matlock Town FC wrote: 'Our hearts are truly broken to hear the news of Dylan Rich's passing and our love goes out to his family, friends and everybody at West Bridgford Colts.
'If we can do anything to help then please do not hesitate to ask, the football community is here for you.'
Hundreds of fans quickly took to social media to pay tribute to the young footballer - including Aston Villa star Ashley Young
And Gainsborough Trinity wrote: 'Heart-breaking news coming out of West Bridgford Colts this afternoon concerning young Dylan Rich who has tragically passed away following Thursday's game.
'Our thoughts and prayers with everyone connected with the club and the young man's family.'
Meanwhile, one man, speaking about Dylan, described him as 'one of the most charming, unassuming and happy youngsters that's been through the club'.
And Dylan's headmaster also paid tribute to him, saying that his school is 'in mourning' and that he had been a 'wonderful' individual.
A spokeswoman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'We received a call at 19.50 hours today to a medical emergency in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
'We sent two ambulances and a fast response car, and the air ambulance were in attendance.
'We transported one patient to the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, by land ambulance.'