Pic: Hull City FC
SHAW LANE defender Daniel Wilkinson has died after collapsing on the pitch during the club’s game against Brighouse Town on Monday night.
The 26-year-old was playing for the Ducks in the Doodson League Cup tie – which they were leading 2-0 – when he collapsed on the pitch after 60 minutes, suffering a suspected heart attack.
The former Hull City youngster, who signed for Shaw Lane from Rushall Olympic in the summer, appeared to stop breathing and was treated by medics on the pitch at Brighouse’s St Giles Road for more than half an hour.
He was subsequently rushed to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax but Shaw Lane sadly confirmed on Tuesday morning that Wilkinson had passed away.
Chairman Craig Wood said: “It’s with great sadness that we have to announce the tragic loss of Daniel Wilkinson who has sadly passed away after collapsing on the pitch during the game last night, our thoughts and prayers are with him family and friends at this time.
“The club would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received throughout the night. There are no more words at this time.”
The popular defender had also spent time in Non-League playing for Harrogate Town, North Ferriby United, Loughborough University, Goole AFC and Scarborough Athletic.
Shaw Lane boss Craig Elliot added: “He was such a great lad. I don’t how we move on. It’s just devastating. Everyone went to the hospital. We all deal with it in different ways, but we just have to support the family as much as we can.
“His mum and dad are such brave people. We signed him in pre-season, he had just finished university at Loughborough and moved in with his girlfriend in Sheffield.”
A lovely lad and a top defender #RIPDan
— Steve Farmer (@SteveFarmerGB) September 13, 2016
Dreadful news. Everyone at Gresley FC send their sincere condolences to Daniel's family, friends and team mates. RIP
— Gresley Rovers (@GresleyRovers) September 13, 2016
God bless Daniel Wilkinson, his immediate family and friends and all those affected by this tragic loss of such a young life.
This is terrible news for all concerned including the officials and back room staff. It is something that no football or sports club ever want to experience. God bless all those effected let’s hope we don’t have this shocking news again. Thoughts are will his family and girlfriend from all at Greenwood Meadows FC.