Football membership pays tribute after sudden dying of ‘humble’ participant, aged 26

Ezekiel Williams, a midfielder for Hendon FC in north-west London, has died suddenly at the age of 26, the club said

Tributes have poured in for Ezekiel Williams, a non-league footballer playing for a north-west London side, who has passed away suddenly aged 26.

The midfielder died on Monday afternoon, with his club, Hendon, paying tribute to him as “a humble, unassuming and generous individual”.

Playing in the Isthmian League South Central Division, the eighth tier of English football, the club broke the news in an emotional statement posted on social media on Tuesday evening (November 3), The Mirror reports.

It read: “We are stunned and heartbroken to announce the sudden and tragic passing of midfielder Ezekiel Williams yesterday afternoon aged 26.

“A humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit, Eze joined the club in September and quickly established himself as a highly popular member of the dressing room and was beginning to carve a place for himself in midfield with a series of hard-working and selfless displays that summed him up as a person.

“Only 10 days ago, he scored his first goal for the club against Jersey Bulls. As a sign of respect, and to allow the players and management time to process this profoundly shocking news, tomorrow’s (Wednesday) London Senior Cup tie with Woodford Town has been postponed.”

A fundraiser has been established in Williams’ memory, with Hendon urging supporters to contribute. The club added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ezekiel’s family, friends, and everyone who knew him at this devastating time. He will be very sadly missed by all of us at Hendon Football Club. RIP Eze.”

Adam Fisher, manager of the Isthmian League South Central club, also paid tribute, saying: “I just can’t believe this news. Has absolutely rocked me.

“Top lad, generous, kind, a great team-mate and a really good footballer. Glad you signed off with a goal Ez. As a club, management, set of players and supporters we will do all we can to help and support.”

The club’s secretary, Jeremy Lawrence, added: “This is devastating. He was a lovely guy. I clearly remember going to his house to sign him and how welcoming he was and so humble. He will be greatly missed both as a player but more importantly as a caring human being.”

Fellow lower league sides responded to the heartbreaking news with tributes of their own. Jersey Bulls wrote: “Condolences to Eze’s friends and family at this awful time. Our thoughts are with you all. May Eze rest in peace.”

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Hartley Wintney said: “Devastating news, we are so sorry to hear this. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Ezekiel’s family and his football family at Hendon, both of which must be devastated by his sudden passing. RIP young man.”

A further tribute read: “Everyone at the Essex Senior League is deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ezekiel’s family, friends, everyone at Hendon FC and all who knew him. Rest in peace, Eze.”

London Colney manager Matty Day also paid his respects, saying: “Such sad and awful news, he contacted me randomly at start of season having not even met him properly and an only been an opponent once.

“He arranged for a player he knew to come down who I ended up signing. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”