Family left distraught after death of popular footballer
A POPULAR and talented football player has died suddenly, leaving his family and friends distraught.
The family of builder Kyle Jones, 29, from Brackla, Bridgend, said it is believed he took his own life without warning on Monday, following a night out.
“He had been happy, just really positive about 2017,” said his mother, Dianne Tantrum, 50.
“We just don’t know why. He had a job, he was playing football. He was so good.”
Ms Tantrum said Mr Jones, formerly a pupil at Ogmore Comprehensive School, was found in Tondu, near Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen.
“He was happy all the time, he just liked people to be around him,” she said.
Mr Jones’ girlfriend, Laura Bedernyak, 30, said: “He was the life and soul of the party. He never stopped talking. He was good to my daughter, Lili Evans, 12, and brought her up for 10 years.”
Kyle, a builder for Persimmon Homes, joined Llangeinor AFC six months ago and experienced enormous success with the club, becoming their top striker and scoring a hat trick in his last match.
The club has cancelled its games this weekend as a mark of respect.
Mr Jones’ friends and the community have also rallied round.
A JustGiving page and donations made directly to Dianne to help cover funeral costs have so far totalled around £6,000.
“It’s really overwhelming,” said Dianne.
Meanwhile Dianne and her family, which includes Kyle’s seven siblings Christian, 32, Scott, 30, Nathan, 26, Rebecca, 25, Liam, 22, Kieron, 16 and Lara, nine, are comforted by their memories of Kyle, who was particularly close to his brothers.
“He loved telling stories, he was known for it,” said Nathan.
“He was a people pleaser and liked making people laugh. He was an amazing friend to people,” said Dianne, adding that Kyle also doted on his grandparents and nieces and nephews Cadie-Jayne, four, Jack, three, Cole, one and Harper, one.
He was also godfather to his best friend Martyn Jones’ son Jacob.
To donate, go to: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/samanthalee-hooperrichards