Tributes paid to former Villa player killed in crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to football player Jlloyd Samuel - who lived near Loxley in Stratford-upon-Avon while playing for Aston Villa - following his death in a car crash on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old died when his Range Rover collided with a van in High Legh, Cheshire Police have said.

It is reported that his car burst into flames.

Current Villa players will wear black armbands during their Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final, second leg at home to Middlesbrough tonight.

The club, for whom Mr Samuel played 169 times for in the late 1990s and early 2000s, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former player Jlloyd Samuel at the age of just 37 in a car accident

"Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very difficult time."

Mr Samuel who also played for Bolton and Cardiff, as well as England u18s, u20s and u21s before switching his international allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago, where he was born.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association said: "According to reports, Jlloyd was returning home after dropping his kids off to school and collided with an oncoming vehicle. His vehicle caught fire and his body was discovered burnt.

"The Trinidad and Tobago Football Associationand his former national teammates at this time extends deepest condolences to his family members both in the UK and here in TrinidadandTobago."

A Cheshire Police statement read "At around 7.55am police were called following reports of a collision involving a van and a Range Rover near to Costcutter on West Lane.

"Sadly the driver of the car, Jlloyd Samuel, 37, from Lymm, died at the scene.

"His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers.

"The driver of the van, a 54-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment."

Did you know Mr Samuel during his time living in Stratford? Post your tributes below or e-mail news@stratford-herald.com