Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of a non-league footballer from a catastrophic brain injury. Saburi Olayinka Adeniji died in hospital just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach his bedside to bid farewell. He played as a winger for Kings Park Rangers, based in Halstead, Essex.
The club have rallied behind the Adeniji family, who made the journey from Nigeria to be with him. Tragically, they arrived after he passed away on Friday.A fundraising appeal has been launched for Adeniji’s family to help with expenses and has collected more than £16,000 towards its £17,000 goal. It explains that he was admitted to intensive care on January 25 in the Critical Care Department at Queen’s Hospital after sustaining a severe brain stem injury.
Medical staff delayed switching off his life support, hoping Adeniji’s family would arrive in time to say their goodbyes. Yet, a devastating statement from his football club on Saturday confirmed the sorrowful news.
Kings Park Rangers issued a statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ passed away yesterday morning. He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter unfortunately arrived this morning, a day late.
“He will always be a King. He will always be loved. As a friend, as a dad as a husband, as a brother and as a son. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji.”
Kings Park Rangers, who compete in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, chose to waive gate fees for supporters in recent weeks, redirecting the funds as donations for the family.
The club observed a minute’s silence ahead of their fixture against Henley Athletic last weekend and organised a fundraising event.
“We are overwhelmed with the support and on behalf of everyone involved with the club,” they posted on Facebook.
The fundraising page aims to assist his family with emergency visa applications, travel expenses and accommodation whilst in the UK.
It states: “Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, whom he adored. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future.
“Beyond the immediate need to reunite his family, this fund will also be used to support his wife financially as she navigates life after this devastating loss and help secure his daughter’s education and wellbeing back home in Nigeria.
“This is a moment for the football world to come together players, clubs, teammates, supporters, and friends. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak.”