Ex-Rushall Olympic footballer Daniel Wilkinson, 26, dies after suffering heart attack in match
A former Rushall Olympic footballer has died after suffering a suspected heart attack while playing for his new club.
Daniel Wilkinson, was playing for Shaw Lane Aquaforce in Barnsley last night when he collapsed while featuring in a local cup match at Brighouse Town.
The fixture was abandoned in the 60th minute as Wilkinson, a former Hull City junior, was taken to hospital.
The defender, who was 26, joined Shaw Lane from Walsall-based Rushall Olympic during the summer.
He was treated by medics at the St Giles Road ground for half an hour before being rushed to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.
Mr Wilkinson spent time on loan at Harrogate Town and North Ferriby United, before joining Loughborough University to study accounting and financial management. He also worked for Sheffield accounting firm Barber Harrison & Platt Chartered Accountants.
A statement on the Rushall Olympics website says:
"We are deeply saddened to report the passing of former Pics' defender, Daniel Wilkinson, at the age of just 26.
"He collapsed and suffered a suspected heart attack whilst playing for Shaw Lane AFC against Brighouse Town on Monday evening.
"The former Hull City youngster played for The Pics last season. He was a committed player and such a nice guy.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at Rushall Olympic FC go out to his family and friends at this sad time.
RIP"
The club tweeted:
The Football Association added:
Rushall Olympic's vice-chairman Nick Allen said on Facebook: "We are beyond devastated, there are no words really to convey how senseless this all is. Dan Wilkinson suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch last night playing for his new club, Shaw Lane AFC after spending the last two seasons with us at Rushall Olympic. He has sadly passed away, he was just 26.
"You would not meet a nicer, more genuine guy than Dan. He travelled from University to play for the Pics and always was with us, on time, committed, no fuss...absolutely 100% genuine.
"The world can't keep taking the good ones...fit, young, healthy and in his prime. Our thoughts are with Dan's loved ones, all at Shaw Lane AFC and everyone who came into contact with him, because all that did will feel the loss of a top, top lad today. Absolutely shocking news, we're all numb with shock and pain.
RIP Dan Wilkinson."
Shaw Lane chairman Craig Wood posted on Facebook: "It's with great sadness that we have to announce the tragic loss of Daniel Wilkinson who has sadly passed away after collapsing on the pitch during the game last night, our thoughts and prayers are with him family and friends at this time.
"The club would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received throughout the night. There are no more words at this time."
