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<\/p>\nA POPULAR footballer has tragically died in a with devastated clubs and friends paying tribute to the sports star.<\/p>\n
Kial Thurman, who played for\u00a0Long Eaton\u00a0United, died on December 1 at the age of 31.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The club said they were "devastated and saddened" by the news of his passing.<\/p>\n
Loyal player Kial had turned out for every youth team, the U19's, The Reserves and the First Team with Long Eaton.<\/p>\n
He was also said to have played a "massive part" in the growth of the youth section.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Long Eaton United said: "An extremely popular person who is one of the few who played for all the youth team ages, the U19s, the reserves and the first team. <\/p>\n
"Kial played a massive part in the growth of the youth section and with his family offered support to the football club on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n "All at the football club send their condolences to Kial's family."<\/p>\n It was reported that Kial died in a car accident but this is yet to be confirmed.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, The Derby and South Derbyshire Referees Association wrote: "Unfortunately some sad news has emerged today from Sandiacre Town. <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n "It has been reported that 1st team player Kial Thurman has passed away following a car accident.<\/p>\n "Derby & South Derbyshire RA send their condolences to Kial's family, friends and all at Sandiacre Town FC at this desperately sad time. RIP Kial."<\/p>\n A number of friends have paid tribute on Facebook with one appearing to confirm the "car crash".<\/p>\n He wrote: "Today I got some awful news about Kial Thurman a highly talented footballer who has been killed in a car crash in Nottingham.<\/p>\n "Kial was an amazingly skillful player. Apart from his football he had a great social life as well.<\/p>\n "He was only 31-years-old and was so popular everywhere he went."<\/p>\n Another said: "He was one in a million, always happy and always having a laugh.<\/p>\n "I had the pleasure of knowing you and playing on the pitch. <\/p>\n "Side by side we were unstoppable together. <\/p>\n "You will be missed loads my friend, I hope you rest in peace."<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/HB-SPORT-PREVIEW-RONALDO.jpg\")
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