A young footballer who had a suspected cardiac arrest while playing in an FA Youth Cup match has sadly died as his club pays tribute.
West Bridgford Colts have confirmed that Dylan Rich has tragically passed away.
The young footballer collapsed during a match between West Bridgford and Boston at Regatta Way on Thursday.
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
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.
He was later rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham by ambulance.
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.
The FA Youth Cup match between Boston United and West Bridgford Colts was postponed after a player suffered a 'cardiac arrest' on the pitch
Many people have shared messages of condolences, including other football clubs
'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.'
Many people have shared messages of condolences, including other football clubs.
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 wish the young footballer well as paramedics battle to save his life
Boston United tweeted: 'Tonight's fixture between West Bridgford and the Pilgrims has been abandoned'
Eyewitnesses reported a player remaining unresponsive after receiving 'multiple' shocks from a defibrillator
And Gainsborough Trinity wrote: 'Heartbreaking 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
The family's local church shared a message, saying: 'Mike and Anna have asked me to pass on how blessed they feel with the support that they’ve received from everyone; not just church members but from friends, colleagues and people who they hardly know.'
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.'