Family pays tribute to crash tragedy player

THE FAMILY of former Premier League footballer Jlloyd Samuel, inset, have spoken of their “devastation” at his death in a car crash.

Relatives paid tribute to the father-of-four as “a loving son, father, husband and brother”.

The 37-year-old former Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers defender died after a collision involving his Range Rover and a van at High Legh near Warrington, Cheshire, on Tuesday.

It was reported he had been dropping his children off at school before the accident happened. In a statement, his family said: “Jlloyd was a loving son, father, husband and brother.

“He was also a respected exfootballer and businessman who played for a number of clubs. “He was extremely popular and well-loved by all who were fortunate to know him. “Jlloyd leaves behind a family including a wife and four children who are devastated by their sudden loss.” Tributes poured in from other players and colleagues after news of his death broke, including Manchester United’s Ashley Young, who said he was “absolutely gutted”. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and Samuel’s former club sides were also among those paying respects, with Villa players donning black armbands during their Championship play-off fixture against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. The 54-year-old male driver of the van remains in hospital in a serious condition.