Dylan Rich: West Bridgford Colts football player, 17, dies after suspected cardiac arrest at FA Youth Cup game

The teen collapsed after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during a game between West Bridgford Colts and Boston United in Nottingham
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A young footballer has tragically died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during an FA Youth Cup match.

Dylan Rich, 17, was taken to hospital in an ambulance after collapsing during a game between his team West Bridgford Colts and Boston United in Nottingham on Thursday (2 September) evening.

‘Devastated and heartbroken’

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Emergency services were called to the Regatta Way Sports Ground after the teen became “seriously unwell” during the game.

The match was abandoned as a result of the incident and the club later announced that Rich had sadly died on Saturday.

It is understood that the teen collapsed after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

Rich’s “devastated and heartbroken” club confirmed his tragic death on Sunday and sent its condolences to his family, friends and teammates.

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In a statement, West Bridgford Colts said: “It is with great sadness that, following the events of Thursday evening, we have to announce the tragic passing of Dylan Rich.

“This news has left everyone involved with our club devastated and heartbroken.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents Mike & Anna, his sister Lucy & Dylan’s family, friends and teammates.

“The club would like to thank everyone within the Colts and wider football community for the hundreds of heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received over the past few days.

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“The club will provide all the support it can to those players and club officials impacted by this tragic event, but for now there are no further words possible, and we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

FA praises ‘courageous response’

The FA released a statement in the wake of Rich’s death, saying that everyone at the organisation was “deeply saddened by the tragic news”.

The association also praised the “courageous response” of those who responded to the incident and thanked the emergency services for their efforts.

The FA said: “We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everybody at the club at this very difficult time.

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“We would like to recognise the courageous response of all those who reacted quickly to the situation at the FA Youth Club fixture on Thursday evening and we thank the emergency services for their efforts.

“We ask that the privacy of both his family and the club is respected at this time.”

Football clubs have also shared their condolences to the teen on social media, including Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Boston United.

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