Wrexham AFC chiefs join outpouring of grief for disabled footballer who lost his life in Dee tragedy

Wrexham AFC bosses have joined the outpouring of grief for a disabled footballer who lost his life in a tragedy on the River Dee.

Rick Williams, a goalkeeper with Wrexham Disability FC, collapsed and died yesterday afternoon at Ty Mawr Country Park in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, after swimming the river.

Dragons chiefs expressed their sympathies to Mr Williams family and friends.

Pete Jones, chairman of the Wrexham Supporters Trust which owns the club, said: “Everybody at Wrexham AFC would like to extend their condolences to the family and friends of Mr Williams.

‘It is devastating news’

“What happened is a tragedy. A lot of hard and fantastic work has gone into building the team up. It is devastating news.”

That sense of shock and loss was echoed by Wayne Greenshields, Wrexham Disability FC project leader and best friend to Mr Williams.

He said: “To say I’m devastated is an understatement. Rick has been with me and the boys through everything in the past 10 years.

“Telling my children the news was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in life.”

‘Telling my children was the hardest thing’

Another close friend, who treated Rick like a brother, Shaun Roberts said: “Rick lived with me for four years.

“He was a lovely man who would do anything for anybody and who you could 100% trust.

“Rick loved football, when he was not watching a match on TV, or playing for the team, he would be playing Fifa on the X-Box.

“This came as a total shock and all his family and friends are devastated.”

Tributes to the 31 year-old, have continued to pour into the Wrexham Disability FC’s Facebook page.

Claire Evans, wrote: “I cannot believe this, such a lovely kind lad, they only take the best. RIP Richard, thinking of your family and friends at this very sad time.”

Shane Edge added: “Gutted had some great games of futsal against Plas Madoc futsal which Rick was a part of, had some good chats with him and he loved the game. RIP mate.”

Mr Williams had been swimming across the river with friends when he got into difficulty and despite desperate attempts by members of the public and emergency services to save him he died at the scene.

‘I cannot believe this’

In a statement issued by Wrexham FC Disabled Supporters Association after the tragedy, the team said Mr Williams had a “heart of gold” who would “do anything for anyone”.

Team manager Carl Austin said: “Everyone involved with Wrexham DSA FC are devastated. No words can explain the bond we have at our club but we are one big family. To lose someone at any age is tough but at 31 with no health issues is incredibly hard to process.

North Wales Police have said Mr William’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

The tragedy happened at about 2.50pm on the River Dee in the Newbridge area near Wrexham.

North Wales East and Central Coroner John Gittins has been informed.