TRIBUTES TO ROCESTER FOOTBALL COACH

By timesecholife on in Latest News

Footballer and coach died during charity bike ride

TRIBUTES have been paid to a sportsman who has died while taking part in a charity cycle ride.
Karl Payne, 44, from Burton-upon-Trent, was a former player and coach at Rocester Football Club as well as playing professionally for Burton Albion and coaching other sports across the area.
A family man who worked as a regional operations manager for Aggregate Industries, Karl  died while raising funds for a local hospice.
He collapsed at the side of the road during the Dougie Mac Bike Ride from Stoke-on-Trent to Llangollen on Sunday.
Players at Rocester FC paid tribute to Karl on Twitter: “Devastating news reaching us that our former player and coach Karl Payne has passed away.
“A lovely guy taken far too soon. RIP Karl.”
Welsh police and ambulance crews were called to the A5 near Llangollen, on Sunday 7th May, when Karl collapsed.
Fellow cyclists stopped to give their aid, but he sadly died at the scene.
Dougie Mac Hospice chief executive, David Webster, said: “I have been made aware that other participants in the event stopped and tried to help the cyclist whilst waiting for the arrival of the emergency services; we thank everyone for their kindness and genuine display of consideration for their fellow event participant, who was not known to them personally.
“We share their sadness and deep regret that nothing could be done to help the cyclist.
“Ultimately, though, our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and friends of the cyclist, we extend our deepest condolences on their sad and untimely loss.”
Participants at the Dougie Mac Bike Ride have commented on the day and on social media sites how well the event was organised and the robust contingency plans put into action when the terrible situation arose.
North Wales Police’s Temporary Superintendent, Nick Evans ,said: “Members of the public and the emergency services tried their very best to help the cyclist and I am very sad to say that their efforts were not successful.
“Our thoughts are with the gentleman’s family and friends.
Could I please ask that any witnesses to the incident contact the North Wales Police control room on 101 and quote V065161.”

Picture courtesy of Twitter