Footballer killed in van crash on Xmas night out 'would do anything for anyone'

17 December 2023 , 17:56

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Sam Wilson died after being hit by a van (Image: Curzon AFC)

A 26-year-old amateur footballer who was killed during a Christmas night out with his team "didn't have a bad bone in his body" and "would do anything for anyone", his coach said in a heartfelt tribute.

Talented Sam Wilson suffered serious injuries when a van hit him and some other players after they left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, at around 2am on Saturday. He tragically died at the scene.

Derbyshire Police said two other men were injured and taken to hospital for treatment, but their condition was not deemed life-threatening. Officers arrested and charged a man, believed to be the driver of the van, on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

The scene of the crash in Ilkeston (Nottingham Post / BPM Media)

Sam and his teammates from AFC Curzon in Long Eaton were initially planning to go to Nottingham for their night out on Friday but then opted for Ilkeston as they thought the city would be too busy. Club manager Wayne Riley, who coached Sam for a decade since their time together at Long Eaton United reserve team, said he "always played with a smile".

Mr Riley told The Mirror that Sam - who was a Derby County fan and season ticket holder - was "one of the most genuine, soft-natured men you would ever wish to meet." He said: "He didn't have a bad bone in his body and would do anything for anyone. He will be truly missed by his family, friends and all his teammates. RIP Sam till we meet again."

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Paying tribute on Facebook last night, he added Sam was "a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate". He wrote: "It took me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning but it's with a broken heart that I am writing this. I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good and two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.

"He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself. I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate. Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed."

Mr Riley's wife, Carole, who is Curzon's club secretary, said Sam was a "true gentleman" who also worked in construction with his father. She said: "He was sweet natured and well-mannered and his death has shook everybody. Not all of the team were out together, but many of the lads were there and saw what happened."

Sam 'didn't have a bad bone in his body', his coach said (Curzon AFC)

Sam's family created a JustGiving appeal to raise money for his funeral. They wrote: "As many of you are aware, my brother Samuel, or Sam/ Willow to everybody else was tragically killed by a drunk driver in the early hours of Saturday morning, 16th December. Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe to huge hole it has left in all of our hearts.

"I know this isn’t a good time of year financially for anybody, but if anyone would like to help and donate towards the cost of saying Goodbye to Samuel, and help would be greatly appreciated from myself, and my family. thankyou, all our love x"

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family at this distressing time. They have asked for privacy and are currently being supported by family liaison officers.

"We have a team of officers working on this investigation and I would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while the Market Place in Ilkeston has been closed." DCI Croome added: "I would continue to urge any witnesses to the collision, and anyone in the area at the time, to contact us."

You can send any information to the police here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM23A50-PO1. You can also contact officers on their website, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling 101, mentioning reference number 23*771155.

To donate to the fundraiser created by Sam's loved ones, click here.

• Derbyshire Police said Zac Newman has been charged with murder, wounding with intent and attempted GBH. The 27-year-old, from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, will appear in court today.

Chiara Fiorillo