Celebrity deaths

Subterms

    More stories

    • 88 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Are Gerry Francis and Trevor Francis related?

      by

      FOOTBALL fans are mourning the death of Trevor Francis, who has passed away aged 69.Due to his surname, during his life some fans wondered if he was related to fellow footy star Gerry Francis.
      Fans want to know if Trevor Francis and Gerry Francis are related
      Are Gerry Francis and Trevor Francis related?
      Despite sharing the same surname, Gerry Francis and the late Trevor Francis are not related.
      As they were both footballers, some fans were curious to know if they were brothers.
      But they aren’t members of the same family, with Trevor growing up in Plymouth, and Gerry in London.
      Trevor is survived by his brother Ian, and sister Carolyn.
      Read more on Trevor Francis
      Who is Gerry Francis?
      Born on December 6, 1951, Gerry Francis made his first team debut for Queens Park Rangers against Liverpool in March 1969.
      He was captain and central midfield player during the 1970s and was a key player in the QPR side, which came close to winning their first-ever league title in 1976.
      Gerry won 12 caps for the England team between 1974 and 1976, and was captain for eight of those matches.
      His International career was limited by a persistent back injury.
      Most read in Football
      From the early 80s he switched his career to being a manager.
      Who was Trevor Francis?
      Born April 19, 1954, Trevor Francis was a former footballer and manager.
      He began his career as a schoolboy for Plymouth United before he joined Birmingham City.
      In 1970, the forward made his debut aged just 16 and went on to net an impressive 119 goals in 280 appearances.
      The icon was England’s first-ever £1million player and was instrumental in helping Brian Clough’s Forest win the European Cup in 1979.
      He later managed both QPR and Sheffield Wednesday – famously causing Eric Cantona to storm out after a trial for the Owls.
      Trevor died at his apartment near Marbella in Spain on July 24, 2023 with efforts now being made to repatriate his body.
      It is reported the former footballer suffered a heart attack.
      Veteran ITV sports presenter and close pal Gary Newbon said: “This is obviously a terrible shock for Trevor and his family and friends.
      “He was revered throughout football and has his place assured in the history of the game.
      “But he was also an incredibly kind and popular man, who will be greatly missed by so, so many people.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Gary told how Francis had a stent fitted following a heart attack 12 years ago but appeared to be in good health.
      He added: “Since then he had stayed in incredible shape. He power-walked daily and barely drank. That’s why this comes as such a shock.” More

    • 113 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who was Trevor Francis and how did he die?

      by

      TREVOR FRANCIS entered into the footballing hall of fame when he became England’s first ever £1million player.But now fans of the sporting legend will be mourning his loss after the news of his death at age 69 broke earlier today (July 24, 2023.)
      Trevor Francis on the pitch on May 13, 1978.Credit: Getty
      Who was Trevor Francis?
      Trevor Francis was born on April 19, 1954 in Plymouth, where he showed early promise as a footballer at school.
      He made his debut as a forward in 1970 for Birmingham City, where he made 280 appearances for the club.
      In that time, he score an impressive 119 goals, which meant when he departed the club for Nottingham Forest, he was a very valuable asset.
      As a result, his transfer broke records and became the first £1million transfer in England, though his new manager, Brian Clough, claimed it was just shy of this amount by a penny to stop the pressure going to his new signing’s head.
      MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He continued scoring goals for Nottingham Forest for the year he was there, scoring at his European debut for the club in 1979.
      In 1980, after suffering from injuries, he moved to Manchester City in 1980 for £1.2million.
      Injuries continued to be an issue for Francis, but he was still chosen to play in the 1982 World Cup squad for England, and scored twice in the first group stage.
      Nearing the end of his playing career, Francis became player-manager for QPR, after which he took over managing Sheffield Wednesday from Ron Atkinson.
      Most read in Football
      His last managerial role was at Crystal Palace, after which he retired from the beautiful game in 1994.
      Outside of his footballing career, he was married to Helen, who sadly died in 2017.
      How did Trevor Francis die?
      Trevor Francis died at his apartment near Marbella in Spain today (July 24, 2023) of a suspected heart attack.
      Francis previously suffered a heart attack 11 years ago, and was admitted to hospital in Bordesley Green.
      He had a stent fitted but recovered well, with Birmingham FC’s official Twitter page sharing this update with fans: “Trevor Francis’ family have contacted the club to express their thanks at the overwhelming messages of support from Blues fans.” More

    • 63 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who are Trevor Francis’ children?

      by

      ENGLAND’s first-ever £1million player Trevor Francis had died aged 69.The sports star sadly passed away at his apartment near Marbella in Spain.
      England legend Trevor Francis has sadly passed awayCredit: Getty
      Who are Trevor Francis’ children?
      Francis leaves behind two children.
      Not much is known about Francis’ children, with the late star appearing to keep his personal life out of the spotlight.
      Who was Trevor’s wife Helen Francis?
      In 2017, Francis was left heartbroken when his beloved wife Helen died.
      The couple had been together for 45 years prior to her passing.
      Read More in Sport
      In his autobiography, One In A Million, Francis opened up on how life without Helen had been “so difficult”.
      Francis said: “It’s so hard because of the deep love I had for Helen and also because I am useless in the house. She did everything for me. I don’t mind admitting that.
      “All of a sudden I am living by myself and I suppose I never contemplated this would ever happen. It is a tougher challenge than anything I ever faced in football.”
      How did Trevor Francis die?
      On July 24, 2023, it was announced that Francis had died at his apartment near Marbella in Spain.
      Most read in Football
      He died after suffering a heart attack, his family confirmed.
      A statement said: “Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning.
      “On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. We are all very upset.
      “He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person.”
      Which teams did Trevor Francis play for?
      Francis began his career as a schoolboy for Plymouth before he joined Birmingham City.
      In 1970, at the age of 16, the footballer made his debut and went on to net an impressive 119 goals in 280 appearances.
      Francis became the first British footballer to command a £1million transfer fee when he moved from Birmingham to Forest in 1979 – and he made a lasting impression with the club thanks to his world-famous European Cup-winning goal in 1979.
      The rest of Francis’ time with the club was blighted by injury but he still managed to secure a £1.2million fee to move to Man City in 1980.
      Francis also made the England squad for the 1982 World Cup where he scored twice in the first group stage.
      Read More on The Sun
      He later went on to have stints at Italian giants Sampdoria and later Atalanta before moving back to the UK to play for Rangers.
      Francis later managed both QPR and Sheffield Wednesday – famously causing Eric Cantona to storm out after a trial for the Owls –  before hanging up his boots for good in 1994 after a last managerial role at Crystal Palace. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Trevor Francis dead aged 69: First £1m football player and England legend dies from a heart attack in Marbella

      by

      NOTTINGHAM Forest star and England legend Trevor Francis has died aged 69 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Marbella.The icon was England’s first-ever £1million player and was instrumental in helping Brian Clough’s Forest win the European Cup in 1979.
      England legend Trevor Francis has sadly passed awayCredit: Getty
      The footballer and manager had a glittering careerCredit: Getty
      He later managed both QPR and Sheffield Wednesday – famously causing Eric Cantona to storm out after a trial for the Owls.
      Francis died at his apartment near Marbella in Spain today from a heart attack, his family confirmed.
      A statement said: “Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning.
      “On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. We are all very upset.
      “He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person.”
      Veteran ITV sports presenter and close pal Gary Newbon led tributes to the footballer following the tragedy
      He told The Sun: “This is obviously a terrible shock for Trevor and his family and friends.
      “He was revered throughout football and has his place assured in the history of the game.
      Most read in Football
      “But he was also an incredibly kind and popular man, who will be greatly missed by so, so many people.”
      Gary told how Francis had a stent fitted following a heart attack 12 years ago but appeared to be in good health.
      He added: “Since then he had stayed in incredible shape. He power-walked daily and barely drank. That’s why this comes as such a shock.”
      The footballer began his career as a schoolboy for Plymouth before he joined Birmingham City.
      In 1970, the forward made his debut aged just 16 and went on to net an impressive 119 goals in 280 appearances.
      Francis became the first British footballer to command a £1million transfer fee when he moved from Birmingham to Forest in 1979.
      Manager Clough actually claimed the price tag was £999,999 to make sure the pressure didn’t go to Francis’ head.
      Forest put out a touching tribute on social media this afternoon, saying: “Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis.
      “A true Forest legend who will never be forgotten.”
      Francis made a lasting impression with the club thanks to his world-famous European Cup-winning goal in 1979.
      He nodded home a header against Malmo in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico to write the team into European folklore forever.
      Speaking about the goal previously, he said: “It was a magical moment. I used to write a column for the Roy of the Rovers comic and this was my own Roy of the Rovers moment.
      “A European debut in a cup final and scoring the winning goal. Nobody had ever done that, had they?”
      The rest of Francis’ time with the club was blighted by injury but he still managed to secure a £1.2million fee to move to Man City in 1980.
      He scored two goals against Stoke City on his debut but was frequently forced to sit out due to injury.
      Despite this, Francis made the England squad for the 1982 World Cup where he scored twice in the first group stage.
      On the news of his death the team said: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Trevor Francis has passed away aged 69.
      “He won 52 caps and scored 12 goals – including two at the 1982 World Cup – for the Three Lions between 1977 and 1986.
      “All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs.”
      He later went on to have stints at Italian giants Sampdoria and later Atalanta before moving back to the UK to play for Rangers.
      Francis had been signed by Graeme Souness, as part of his self-styled “English invasion” at Ibrox, and helped the team win the 1987-88 Scottish League Cup.
      The forward later became a player-manager at QPR in 1988 but left after a year in charge to be replaced by Down Howe.
      He then took over from Ron Atkinson at Sheffield Wednesday before hanging up his boots for good in 1994 after a last managerial role at Crystal Palace.
      Away from his football career, Francis was left heartbroken in 2017 when his beloved wife Helen died.
      The couple, who had been together for 45 years, shared two children together.
      In his autobiography, One In A Million, Francis told how life without Helen had been “so difficult”.
      He also told how working as a pundit was helping to keep him sane after a horrific two years.
      Francis added: “It’s so hard because of the deep love I had for Helen and also because I am useless in the house. She did everything for me. I don’t mind admitting that.
      “All of a sudden I am living by myself and I suppose I never contemplated this would ever happen. It is a tougher challenge than anything I ever faced in football.”
      Tributes have flooded in for the star, including from former teammate Viv Anderson, who shared a black and white image of Francis.
      He said: “Just heard the unbelievable news regarding Trevor Francis, he was such a wonderful person and fabulous teammate he will be sadly missed, my condolences go to his family and friends RIP.”
      Gary Lineker said: “Deeply saddened to hear that Trevor Francis has died.
      “A wonderful footballer and lovely man. Was a pleasure to work alongside him both on the pitch and on the telly. RIP Trevor.”
      Birmingham shared an image of Francis as a teen at the club as they revealed they were “saddened and shocked” by his death.
      The club added: “Trevor will forever be revered as a giant of the Club, the player everyone wanted to see. He represented Blues on 330 occasions, scoring 133 goals.
      “Blues sends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Trevor’s family and friends.”
      Nottingham Forest called Francis a “true Forest legend who will never be forgotten”.
      While Palace said: “Crystal Palace are mourning the loss of former manager Trevor Francis, who has passed away at the age of 69.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Trevor’s friends and family at this sad time.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Rest in peace, Trevor.”
      Francis becomes the first £1million footballer in a press conference alongside Brian CloughCredit: Getty
      Francis scored the winner for Forest against Malmo in the European Cup in 1979
      He netted the winning goal at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico
      Francis made his debut for Birmingham aged just 16Credit: Getty
      Francis also helped Sheffield Wednesday to top-flight footballCredit: Getty
      Francis previously opened up about the pain of losing wife Helen in 2017 More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez Miramontes dead at 88: Spain’s last Ballon d’or winner and former national team manager passes away

      by

      LEGENDARY football star Luis Suarez Miramontes – Spain’s last winner of the Ballon d’Or – has died aged 88.He is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish football players of all time.
      Spanish football star Luis Suarez MiramontesCredit: Getty
      Luiz Suarez Miramontes (centre) has died aged 88Credit: Getty
      Suarez was a midfielder for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sampdoria during a playing career that ran from 1953 to 1973.
      He also managed the Spanish national team and led them to the second round of the World Cup at Italia 90.
      Nicknamed The Architect – he is regarded as pioneering the modern attacking midfielder role.
      Suarez played as an inside forward for one of the great Barcelona teams of the 1950s – winning two LaLigas and two Copa de España titles with the club.
      read more on football
      He won the Ballon D’or in 1960 – finishing ahead of legendary Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskas to win the award.
      In doing so, he became the first Barcelona player to win a Ballon D’or.
      Following his Ballon D’or win in 1960 he transferred to Inter Milan for a world record fee in 1961.
      At Inter he played a crucial role in the ‘Grande Inter’ team which won three Serie A’s and two consecutive European cups – it is regarded as the greatest team in Inter’s history.
      Most read in Football
      Between 1961 and 1970 he made 328 appearances for the club and scored 55 goals – despite playing as a deep lying playmaker.
      Suarez played 32 games for his national side and scored 14 goals – representing Spain at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.
      His greatest achievement at national level saw him lift the 1964 European Championship as part of the team – their only international trophy until winning the 2008 Euros.
      His managerial career began in 1973 when he managed Genoa.
      His career saw him manage a number of Italian clubs which included three separate stints with Inter.
      The Milanese club led the tributes to their former midfielder, with a tweet saying: “The perfect footballer who, with his talent, has inspired generations. Ciao, Lusito.”
      His former club Barcelona wrote: “Football legend. Barca legend.”
      The club then listed his titles with the club before writing: “We will really miss you. Rest in peace, Luis Suárez Miramontes. 🕊️” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Millwall owner John Berylson, 70, was killed in horror car crash after Range Rover careered off road and hit tree

      by

      MILLWALL owner John Berylson died in a horror car crash, police have confirmed.The 70-year-old American businessman was driving in Falmouth, Massachusetts, when his Range Rover careered off the road on Tuesday.
      Millwall owner John Berylson died on Tuesday morningCredit: Getty
      The 70-year-old’s Range Rover crashed in Massachusetts and was found in a ditchCredit: NBC 10 Boston
      Police and fire crews raced to the area and found the car in a ditch.
      Lt. Michael Simoneau, of Falmouth Police Department, confirmed to The Sun that Mr Berylson was cut from the wreckage but sadly died at the scene.
      He said: “The deceased vehicle operator from the fatal crash on Sippewissett Road on July 4, has been identified as John G. Berylson, 70, of Wellesley Hills, Ma.
      “The preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle, a 2019 Range Rover was travelling south on Sippewissett Road when it lost control on a curve, and left the roadway.
      read More on John Berylson
      “The vehicle rolled over into a ravine and came to rest against a tree.
      “The cause of the crash remains under investigation.”
      Millwall had last night confirmed Mr Berylson had died in a “tragic accident”, leaving behind wife Amy and three kids Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.
      The Championship club said in a statement: “John, who turned 70 last month, lost his life in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning.
      Most read in Football
      “John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him.
      “He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.
      “He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.
      “Rest in peace, John, and thank you. You were loved and adored.”
      Mr Berylson first got involved with the London club in 2006 and appointed Kenny Jackett as his first manager in 2007.
      He oversaw the club reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 2013, and then the quarters in 2017 and 2019.
      The Lions were also promoted to the Championship in 2017 under his ownership.
      Just weeks before his death, Berylson was given a standing ovation at the Millwall stadium.
      The Lions narrowly missed out on a playoff position after losing 4-3 to Blackburn Rovers on the last day of the season.
      Duncan Watmore’s double and Oliver Burke’s addition sent Millwall into the break with a two-goal cushion.
      And owner Mr Berylson, a former Harvard graduate, took to the field to interact with fans during half-time on May 8.
      Footage shows the Chairman smiling and clapping at supporters as he made his way around the stands at The Den in Bermondsey, South East London.
      Season ticket holder Lauren Fruen, 34, said: “There is a feeling of huge shock around the club following the news of John Berylson’s death. 
      “We all loved him, he was a great chairman who really understood our club and its fans. He was one of us. 
      Read More On The Sun
      “The last time we saw JB he got a standing ovation from a sell-out crowd at The Den. It was a special moment then, made even more poignant now. 
      “He will be hugely missed.”
      Flowers and tributes left outside Millwall’s grounds
      Fire crews and police raced to the scene in Falmouth, MassachusettsCredit: Cape Cod Incidents More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Heartbreaking moment Millwall owner John Berylson given standing ovation at last game weeks before he died in ‘accident’

      by

      THIS is the heartbreaking moment Millwall owner John Berylson was given a standing ovation at his last game.The 70-year-old American businessman suddenly passed away on Tuesday morning in a “tragic accident”.
      Millwall owner John Berylson was given a standing ovation at his last gameCredit: Twitter
      The 70-year-old American businessman suddenly passed away on TuesdayCredit: Twitter
      Berylson took to the field to interact with fans during half-time on May 8Credit: Twitter
      The Lions narrowly missed out on a playoff position after losing 4-3 to Blackburn Rovers on the last day of the season.
      Duncan Watmore’s double and Oliver Burke’s addition sent Millwall into the break with a two-goal cushion.
      And owner Berylson, a former Harvard graduate, took to the field to interact with fans during half-time on May 8.
      Footage shows the Chairman smiling and clapping at supporters as he made his way around the stands at The Den in Bermondsey, south-east London.
      Read more Sport News
      Berylson, who first became involved with the Championship club in 2006, died on Tuesday morning.
      The club have given no further details.
      “It is with a collective broken heart and the deepest of regret that we announce the passing of our beloved owner and chairman, John Berylson,” Millwall posted on Twitter.
      “John, who turned 70 last month, lost his life in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning, and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with his wife, Amy, his three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth, and the rest of the Berylson family.
      Most read in Football
      “John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him. He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.
      “He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.
      “Under John’s passionate leadership and guidance, Millwall has enjoyed tremendous success and stability.
      “Since first becoming involved in the club in 2006, he has presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history, and his influence in providing the platform for those was immeasurable.
      “John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future, and any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour. It will be his legacy.
      “John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.”
      No further details about the nature of the accident have been given.
      Season ticket holder Lauren Fruen, 34, said: “There is a feeling of huge shock around the club following the news of John Berylson’s death. 
      “We all loved him, he was a great chairman who really understood our club and its fans. He was one of us. 
      Read More On The Sun
      “The last time we saw JB he got a standing ovation from a sell-out crowd at The Den. It was a special moment then, made even more poignant now. 
      “He will be hugely missed.”
      Footage shows the Chairman smiling and clapping at supportersCredit: Twitter
      Berylson first became involved with the Championship side in 2006Credit: Getty
      Millwall FC released a lengthy statement on social media confirming his deathCredit: Instagram More

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is John Berylson’s wife Amy Smith and do they have any children?

      by

      MILLWALL owner and chairman John Berylson was married to Amy Smith and together they carried out a lot of charity work.The American businessman died in an accident, aged 70.
      Millwall owner and chairman John Berylson died in a ‘tragic accident’ aged 70Credit: Getty
      Who is Amy Smith?
      Little is known about Smith who likes to keep out of the spotlight.
      Smith was enrolled on the MBA degree programme at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration when she got engaged to Berylson.
      She previously graduated from the Beaver Country Day School and received a BA degree from Harvard.
      Her dad was chairman and president of the General Cinema Corporation and president of the Sidney Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
      Read More on John Berylson
      She has played a key role in the couple’s philanthropic actions through the Amy Smith and John G. Berylson Foundation.
      They set up the foundation, which focuses on supporting various causes with a strong emphasis on education.
      The couple have given grants to Brown University, Harvard University, and Birmingham-Southern College.
      Their charitable efforts also extend to health-related organizations, including The Joey Fund.
      Most read in Championship
      They have collaborated with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and Brigham & Women’s Hospital.
      When did Amy Smith and John Berylson get married?
      Their engagement was announced in the New York Times on June 4, 1978, with the article saying they planned to marry in August of that year.
      It is unclear when they actually got married.
      Do they have any children?
      The couple had three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.
      Like their mum, little is known about them and they stay firmly out of the spotlight.
      Elizabeth Sara Berylson married Robert Benjamin Katz at the Boston Public Library in August 2013, according to a New York Times report.
      She graduated from Harvard.
      Elizabeth previously worked as the manager of client and business development in the New York office of Chanel, developing client loyalty programmes for the retail division. 
      When did John Berylson die?
      Berylson died on July 4, 2023 aged 70 in a “tragic accident”.
      Details of the accident are not yet known.
      In part of a lengthy statement from Millwall, it said: “John, who turned 70 last month, lost his life in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning.
      “John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him.
      “He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness.
      “He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people.
      “Rest in peace, John, and thank you. You were loved and adored.”
      Read More On The Sun
      He was also the founder of Chesnut Hill Ventures LLC.
      As well, Berylson was co-founder and managing partner of Berylson Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in Massachusetts, USA. More