Hillsborough crush claims life of 97th victim

THE Hillsborough disaster has claimed its 97th victim after a man left with lifechanging injuries as a result of the crush died at the age of 55.

The family of Andrew Devine said he died on Tuesday, 32 years after he was injured in the tragedy at the FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989.

They said: “Our collective devastation is overwhelming but so too is the realisation that we were blessed to have had Andrew with us for 32 years since the Hillsborough tragedy.” Mr Devine was described by his relatives as a “much-loved son, brother and uncle” who had been supported by his family and a team of dedicated carers.

A coroner’s inquest ruled yesterday that he was unlawfully killed as a result of the disaster, according to the Liverpool Echo. Mr Devine’s chest was crushed and his brain was deprived of oxygen in the crush. The disaster left him in a wheelchair and unable to speak.

His family said they “welcomed” the conclusion made at Liverpool Coroner’s Court. A statement from the football club said it was “deeply saddened”.

A spokesman said: “A lifelong Liverpool supporter, Andrew continued to attend matches at Anfield when possible despite suffering life-changing injuries at Hillsborough on April 15 1989.

“In doing so, he defied expectations that he would not survive for six months after the tragedy.”

In 2016, an inquest jury ruled 96 Liverpool fans had been unlawfully killed in the disaster.