Non-league footballer, 26, tragically dies as 'heartbroken' club pay tribute

Non-league footballer, 26, tragically dies as 'heartbroken' club pay tribute Ezekiel Williams, who played for Hendon in the Isthmian League South Central Division, died suddenly on Monday and his death has sparked an outpouring of grief from the non-league community Tributes are being paid to a non-league footballer who has died suddenly aged 26. Ezekiel Williams passed away on Monday afternoon and was described by his club, Hendon, as 'a humble, unassuming and generous individual'. Hendon play in the Isthmian League South Central Division, the eighth tier on English football. The club posted a heartfelt tribute via their social media channels shortly after 7pm on Tuesday. 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. Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources. "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 set up in Williams' memory, with Hendon encouraging people to donate. 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." Hendon manager Adam Fisher also paid tribute. "I just can't believe this news," Fisher began in a post on X. "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 & 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." Other lower league clubs responded to the devastating 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." 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." Another post 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." Matty Day, the manager of London Colney, said: "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." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.