JUNIOR DIAN, who was on trial at Tonbridge Angels, has died after collapsing on the pitch during a pre-season friendly against Whyteleafe on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old was a half time substitute for the Ryman Premier side but collapsed on the pitch with 20 minutes to go at Leafe’s Church Road home in Surrey. The game was subsequently abandoned.
Both clubs’ physios ran onto the pitch to give emergency CPR before paramedics arrived to take him to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, South London, where he died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Steve Churcher, chairman of Tonbridge Angels, said: “This is devastating news and our only crumb of comfort is that Junior lost his life doing something he obviously enjoyed so much.
“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.”
Tonbridge player Sonny Miles added: “Worst moment in football last night. Life’s just not fair sometimes. Thoughts are with the family and friends of Junior Dian. RIP”
The tragic news comes after similar incidents involving Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest but was saved after extensive treatment, and ex-Manchester City star Marc-Vivien Foe who passed way after collapsing playing for Cameroon.
