18 May 2023 , 21:26
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A young autistic man died after suddenly collapsing during a football match with disabled team mates.
Coaches, paramedics and hospital staff tried in vain to save Morgan Brick after he suffered what is believed to be a heart attack on Sunday (May 14).
The 23-year-old was playing for Gloucester City PAN, a team which provides those with disabilities the opportunity to play in organised matches.
The team was playing at Gloucestershire Football Association (GFA) ground in Almondsbury.
Soon after kick off Morgan alerted the referee he was not feeling well and collapsed moments later.
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Goals Behind Grass is the football charity behind Morgan’s team.
Morgan (third from left) suffered from a suspected heart attack (Goals Behind Grass WS)The charity has looked to support Morgan’s family and his teammates during such a difficult time.
Brian Dix, CEO of Goals Behind Grass, told GloucestershireLive: “We are all shocked and sad that Morgan could not be saved.
"He was autistic, and this is why he played for Gloucester City PAN. He was physically fit and nothing to indicate otherwise.
“He was a lovely lad, always joking around and full of fun.
"He loved sport and would always be at training, and he played rugby too, he loved sport.”
Mr Dix, 58, said the coaches at the game did everything they could for Morgan until the paramedics arrived.
He said: “The match had not long started and Morgan called over to alert the referee he was not feeling well.
"Moments later he collapsed to the floor.
“The coaches on the side ran over to him and could see Morgan was struggling to breathe and an ambulance was called.
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"Senior coaches also went to Morgan, he was found to not be breathing and the defibrillator had been sent for and used.
“The paramedics arrived and took over.
"Morgan went to Bristol Royal Infirmary where I believe the hospital staff tried for two hours to bring Morgan back.
“He died in the later part of Sunday (May 14) afternoon. It is believed he had a heart attack.”
Goals Behind Grass have looked to support parents of Morgan’s friends who he played alongside.
A Go Fund Me page has also been set up for the family of Morgan to help them through this very difficult time.