‘Cherished and gifted’ footballer, 16, dies in horror blaze as good friend in coma

A young and promising footballer has tragically died following a horror blaze at a flat in Southwark, London, on Wednesday (March 18).

Tributes have been paid to Tommy Ballay-Dean, 16, after he tragically lost his life in the fire as a friend was rushed to hospital. The unnamed friend is reportedly currently in a coma and suffered serious facial injuries.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed it had sent four fire engines and 25 firefighters to tackle the fire at the block of flats, which was on the first floor. Details surrounding the cause of the blaze are currently unknown as the Met Police investigate.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Tommy, who went by the nickname Junior Dean, and is looking to raise £55k to helps his family with funeral costs. At the time of writing, over £35k has already been raised.

Writing on the page, it said: “Southwark Residents are calling on the entire Southwark community, the wider public, and grassroots clubs across London to come together and help raise funds to support Junior’s family with funeral costs.

“Junior was the heart and soul of Southwark Residents and a cherished member of the wider Southwark community. His faith was one of the things that truly stood out, alongside his talent. He often led prayers before matches and constantly encouraged those around him, sometimes putting others before himself.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, close friends, his school friends at St Thomas the Apostle School in Peckham, his teammates at Mass Elite, his former teammates at Blase Ballers, Rotherhithe FC, and Whitestar Academy, Blue Star Elite as well as his friends from church at RPF Youth.”

Hudayfi Awale, reportedly one of Tommy’s former coaches, called the youngster a “top footballer”. He said: “A top footballer, but an even better kid. You lit up every room you walked into, always smiling, always making people laugh.

“So respectful. So full of life. A real bundle of joy. This one hurts differently. Rest in eternal peace, Junior. May God grant you the highest rank in paradise. We’ll make sure your name, your energy, and your legacy live on forever.”

A Met Police spokesperson said:“At around 15:00hrs on Wednesday, 18 March, police responded to reports of a fire at a residential address in Coopers Road, Southwark.

“Officers attended with the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service. A 16-year-old boy was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“His next-of-kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

“Another boy – also aged 16 – was treated for serious facial injuries. He was taken to hospital, where we await an update on his condition.

“The circumstances of the fire remain under investigation, although at this stage the incident is believed to be non-suspicious.”

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