Express & Star

'My heart is broken': Family devastated after young Walsall fan's shock death

Tributes have been flooding in for a 22-year-old Saddlers fan who died after a short illness last week.

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Jake Martin, who worked as a steward at the Banks's Stadium for a period five years ago, died at Walsall Manor Hospital last Friday - the day before Walsall's first play-off match against Barnsley.

His sister, Jessica, led the tributes: "This is difficult to say the last, it hasn't sunk in at all.

"My big brother Jake Martin passed away totally unexpected. My heart is broken, he'll never get to meet his baby nephew who he was so excited to meet."

The club, who described Jake as an 'outgoing, very happy young man', added: "Jake will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends."

Hundreds of tributes have also come pouring in from Saddlers fans ahead of tonight's match against Barnsley, where a minute's applause has been proposed by fans for the 22nd minute.

Gail Gilbert said: "Gail Gilbert RIP Jake let's hope the lads do it for you tonight. Thoughts with your family xx."

While SullyBear Moreton added: "R.I.P. hope the saddlers get a win for him tonight. I met him at the ground a few times he was lovely guy my thoughts and feelings go out to his family and friends."

The club said Jake attended college locally and worked at the Village Hotel, near Junction 10 of the M6.

He last watched his team in a 5-0 win over Port Vale on the last day of the regular League One season on May 8.

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